Thane RTO Squads Begin Checking Auto Drivers for Marathi Proficiency

Regional Transport Office flying squads on Thursday began inspecting auto-rickshaw drivers across six locations in Thane to verify their Marathi language proficiency, issuing notices and fines to those unable to meet the requirements.

The checks in Thane are part of a statewide enforcement campaign launched by the Maharashtra Transport Department. The drive covers auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers who lack a working knowledge of Marathi or the mandated proficiency certificate.

During the inspections, RTO flying squads are videographing verification tests to document interactions with drivers. Initial notices are being served to drivers found non-compliant with the language rules.

The month-long drive follows a meeting held on Wednesday by State Transport Department Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who instructed RTO officials across Maharashtra to conduct the checks and record the process on video.

Under the guidelines announced by the transport minister, drivers who fail the language assessment will receive approximately one month to improve their Marathi proficiency. If drivers fail to show improvement within the given period, authorities will suspend their licences for three months.

Sarnaik stated that if drivers still fail to learn the language after the suspension period, the department will initiate proceedings to permanently cancel their licences. He noted that the government does not seek to disrupt livelihoods but aims to safeguard the Marathi language, along with the state's identity and culture.

Statewide records indicate that nearly 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi licences and badges have been issued to date. Going forward, RTO officials will verify practical Marathi skills through direct conversations before issuing any new licences or badges.