Maharashtra RTO Offices Begin Drive to Check Auto, Taxi Drivers’ Marathi Knowledge
Drivers who fail the 16-question test will get one month to learn Marathi before badge suspension, officials said.
- On Thursday, Maharashtra's transport department launched a statewide drive testing taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi through a 16-question survey focused on practical daily communication scenarios.
- Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the initiative following a recent amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to preserve the state's language, identity, and culture.
- Drivers who fail the initial test receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi; subsequent failure leads to a three-month license and badge suspension, officials said on Wednesday.
- Some union leaders and retired RTO officials raised concerns about the lack of a clear definition for 'working knowledge,' with the Seva Sarathi Taxi Union threatening agitation against potential exploitation.
- Previously, 1.65 lakh drivers received certificates during a 105-day campaign, though critics argue the rules should have clarified whether RTOs must conduct oral or written assessments.
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Maharashtra begins inspection drive on Marathi, 1,268 drivers issued notices, what will happen next?
The knowledge of conversational Marathi has been made mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers in Maharashtra by the state government to ensure better communication with passengers. An inspection drive to enforce this rule started across the state on Thursday. Drivers found lacking adequate knowledge of conversational Marathi during inspections will be issued a notice and required to learn the language within one month. Failure to lear…
16-question Marathi test for Maharashtra taxi, auto drivers; badge suspension if they fail
Taxi and auto drivers in Maharashtra face a new Marathi language working knowledge test. Officials are issuing notices and warning of badge suspensions for unsatisfactory performance. This drive aims to preserve the Marathi language and the state's cultural identity. The transport department amended rules to enforce this requirement strictly. Some union leaders question the definition of working knowledge and threaten agitation.
Maharashtra: RTO Begins Marathi Proficiency Checks for Taxi, Autorickshaw Drivers; One-Month Deadline Given | 📰 LatestLY
Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra launched a state-wide drive on Thursday to evaluate the practical Marathi proficiency of taxi and autorickshaw drivers. 📰 Maharashtra: RTO Begins Marathi Proficiency Checks for Taxi, Autorickshaw Drivers; One-Month Deadline Given.
1 month to learn or face action: Marathi test begins for cab, auto drivers
Maharashtra RTOs have begun testing taxi and autorickshaw drivers for practical Marathi through oral interactions. Drivers who fail have been given a month to learn the language, even as responses among drivers remain mixed.
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