Maharashtra Puts Hold on License Cancellations for Non-Marathi-Speaking Auto-Taxi Drivers
Transport minister announces phased awareness campaign from May 1 to Aug 15, replaces mandatory reading/writing tests with practical training
Quick Look
- Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has put on hold the decision to cancel licences and permits of auto and taxi drivers from May 1 over non-compliance with the Marathi language requirement, opting instead for a phased campaign on awareness, verification and training.
- From May 1 to Aug 15, the government will conduct a survey across 59 RTOs to determine how many drivers are Marathi-speaking and detect fake licences and permit irregularities.
- Non-Marathi-speaking drivers will be guided to training centres.
AI-generated summary
Mumbai: Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik Monday put on hold the decision to cancel licences and permits of auto and taxi drivers from May 1 over non-compliance with the Marathi language requirement, opting instead for a phased campaign on awareness, verification and training. The Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union called off its May 4 protest after discussions. From May 1 to Aug 15, govt will conduct a survey across 59 RTOs to determine how many drivers are Marathi-speaking and how many are not. The exercise will also detect fake licences, bogus badges and permit-related irregularities. Non-Marathi-speaking drivers will be guided to training centres and offered tuition to acquire practical proficiency. "After giving them a reasonable chance, we will strictly enforce law," Sarnaik said. The transport ministry has withdrawn its earlier decision of reading and writing tests in Marathi and will instead prepare a short curriculum focused on practical use.
