Over 1 lakh non-Marathi drivers learn functional Marathi lessons: Maha Transport Minister Sarnaik
Mumbai, August 6
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Thursday that more than 1,00,000 non-Marathi commercial passenger vehicle drivers across the state have successfully completed functional Marathi lessons.
He appealed to the remaining drivers to take advantage of this opportunity and learn Marathi before August 15.
This was to adhere to the state transport department's decision-making knowledge of functional Marathi mandatory for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers-including auto-rickshaws, taxis, cabs, and buses-across the state.
"If you want to work in Maharashtra, you must connect with Marathi. It is not a language of compulsion, but one of affection. Every driver who speaks a few words of love in Marathi with passengers acts as an ambassador honouring Maharashtra's culture," Minister Sarnaik said, conveying his satisfaction over the overwhelming response to the 'Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Classes Campaign'.
He was speaking after chairing the campaign review meeting.
Minister Sarnaik added, "Marathi is not just a medium of communication; it is the soul of Maharashtra's identity and culture. It is our sincere desire that everyone earning a livelihood here respects Marathi. Using Marathi while conversing with passengers will not only make daily interactions smoother but will also strengthen the bonds of affection between people."
He also said that after Marathi was granted the status of a Classical Language, lakhs of non-Marathi drivers responded positively and respectfully to the campaign organised in its honour.
Their (non-Marathi commercial passenger vehicle drivers') spontaneous participation in learning Marathi is a true tribute paid to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's love for the language.
Organised jointly by the state government's Marathi Language Department, the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, and the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, this campaign is turning into a state-wide mass movement.
Minister Sarnaik noted that every driver embracing this learning opportunity is acting not merely as someone following rules, but as a sensitive citizen honouring the culture of Maharashtra.
Launched on May 1, the 'Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Classes Campaign' will conclude on August 17 at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, and Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant will also attend the event, Minister Sarnaik said.
The State Transport Minister told that certificates of completion for practical Marathi training will be distributed to thousands of non-Marathi drivers on behalf of the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad during the ceremony.
The Transport Department has urged all remaining non-Marathi commercial passenger vehicle drivers to complete their training by August 15 and master practical Marathi.
The department sources said that amendments have been made to Rules 4, 22, 78, and 85 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The department's initiative of knowing the functional Marathi language by vehicle drivers, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, cabs, and buses, strictly comes into force on August 16.
Unregistered or untrained drivers face scrutiny during Regional Transport Office verification drives.
The mandate aims to improve passenger safety, ensure smoother daily interactions, enable rapid emergency assistance, and honour the local language and culture.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Over 1 lakh drivers learning functional Marathi in a few months is truly impressive. The 'Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Classes Campaign' seems well-organized. I just hope the RTO verification clauses on August 16 are implemented with some flexibility for drivers who might have missed the deadline due to genuine reasons like vehicle breakdowns or family issues.😊
Good to see this from a commuter safety perspective. When there's an emergency and a passenger needs to explain a route or a medical issue, having a driver who can understand basic Marathi is actually a lifeline. Makes daily commutes in Mumbai smoother, too.
Respectfully, I think this is a positive step, but the fines or scrutiny for untrained drivers might feel a bit harsh. Many drivers from UP and Bihar have been here for decades. A more patient approach, like a grace period and maybe more free coaching classes in evening hours, would make this transition even smoother for them.
As someone from a neighbouring state, I appreciate this. Language is a bridge, not a barrier. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Learning a few phrases of love and respect in Marathi isn't just about compliance—it's about showing respect to the culture that feeds you. Proud of all the drivers who took this opportunity!
It's smart that they made it practical/functional Marathi rather than literary. This focus on everyday conversation (greetings, directions, safety phrases) is very wise. Big win for passengers and drivers both.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.