Kamal Ghorui
MUMBAI: From May 1, licensed autorickshaw and taxi drivers in state will have to demonstrate knowledge of Marathi, with the transport department set to launch a verification drive across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices.Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers must be able to read and write Marathi, warning that licences of those who fail to meet the requirement will be cancelled. The move has caused discontent among drivers’ unions, which have threatened to challenge it in court, saying it could threaten the livelihood of thousands already working in the sector and that they already fulfilled the demand of having a “working knowledge of Marathi” at the time of obtaining badges. Following the decision by the state transport department on verification of Marathi knowledge, a union leader told TOI that the union is strongly opposed to it as it could lead to demands for bribes to give non-Marathis a clean chit.He said the relevant provision under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules refers to a “working knowledge” of Marathi, not a formal test in reading, writing or fluency. “If any action is taken and badges/licences are cancelled, we will challenge it in court,” he said.DA Salian from the Mumbai Taxi Association said people have been driving taxis for many years and it will be improper to randomly cancel badges/licences on language issues. “The minister cannot implement such a rule or campaign across the state for all drivers who are already in the profession and earning a livelihood; families depend on them,” he said.However, Sarnaik said the rule is not new and knowledge of the local language has long been part of the licensing framework for autorickshaw and taxi drivers. He said the govt has received complaints from passengers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur that many drivers are unable to communicate in Marathi or deliberately avoid using it.“It is the duty of every person to learn the language of the region in which they live for their livelihood,” the minister said, adding that while people should take pride in their mother tongue, they must also respect the language of the state in which they work.He also warned transport officials against bypassing the rules, saying strict action would be taken against those who issue licences improperly.Union leaders, however, contend that the minister is stretching the law beyond what it actually requires. Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien said drivers are already required to submit domicile documents, police verification and other records while applying for permits. For public service vehicle badges, appli-cants must also show knowledge of routes and local geography. “Working knowledge means basic Marathi needed for the job,” he said.Drivers fear the crackdown could have severe financial consequences. An auto driver from the eastern suburbs said his vehicle was bought on loan and cancellation of his badge would leave him without income while EMI payments continue. Another driver from the western suburbs said the verification exercise could open the door to corruption, with enforcement squads deciding arbitrarily who knows Marathi and who does not.
