Maha mininster stalls action against auto, cab drivers on Marathi issue | India News
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday put on hold a decision to cancel licenses and permits of auto and taxi drivers from May 1 for 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 August 15, the government will conduct a survey across 59 RTOs to determine how many drivers are Marathi-speaking and how many are not. The exercise will also identify irregularities related to fake licenses, fake badges and permits.Non-Marathi-speaking drivers will be directed to training centers and given tuition to acquire practical skills. “After giving them a reasonable opportunity, we will strictly enforce the law,” Sarnaik saidThe Transport Ministry has withdrawn its earlier decision to test reading and writing in Marathi and will instead develop a shorter syllabus focusing on practical use.
