Sarnaik Firm On Mandatory Marathi For Drivers; Decision On Extension Pending

Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday rejected the claims of some autorickshaw and taxi unions regarding the mandatory use of Marathi for autorickshaws and taxi drivers. Sarnaik announced that there is no pause in the implementation of the decision, which is planned to come into force on May 1. Earlier, after a meeting with the minister, Nirupam had announced that the implementation was postponed to August 15.

The state government’s diktat to make Marathi language compulsory for all non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the state from May 1 has triggered a major controversy. Non-local drivers called for a strike on May 4. Amid the controversy, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik held a meeting at Mantralaya on Monday with a delegation of autorickshaw and taxi unions from Mumbai and neighboring metropolitan areas and explained the government’s stand.

“The official stance of the state government was quoted as saying that Marathi is mandatory for rickshaw and taxi drivers. When asked whether they agreed with this position, the unions also expressed their agreement. The driver should know basic Marathi phrases like ‘kuthe jayche ahe’ (where do you want to go). Functional Marathi at this level is required. In future, this requirement will be extended to Ola, Uber and Rapido,” Mr. Sarnaik said after the meeting.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sarnaik’s party colleague Sanjay Nirupam demanded six to nine months for the decision to be implemented. He said although Marathi is the identity and pride of Maharashtra, learning the language takes time and depends on the ability of the individual. He requested the government to give drivers enough time to learn Marathi instead of implementing the rule immediately.

However, Mr. Sarnaik clarified that the government has not decided to postpone the implementation of its decision. “The unions have demanded extensions, but I have not made any promises to them. A meeting has been called with 59 RTOs (Regional Transport Offices) on Tuesday. A decision on this issue will be taken in that meeting. If the drivers need coaching, we are ready to give it. We are also ready to give extensions, but their arrogance will not be tolerated. We may consider giving them extensions. But even after this, if they do not speak Marathi, people will hold the government responsible.” The Minister said.