Starting today, the Maharashtra Transport Department will take action against auto-rickshaw, taxi, Ola, and Uber drivers who do not speak Marathi. This initiative aims to ensure better communication and service for passengers in the region. The enforcement will begin immediately, targeting drivers who fail to meet this language requirement.
The Transport Department has made it clear that drivers who refuse to learn or speak Marathi will not be given any further extension, and action will be taken as per the rules. Going forward, before issuing a new permit or badge, transport officials will directly interact with the driver to assess their practical Marathi knowledge. The interaction will be video-recorded, and a new badge will be issued only after the driver is found proficient in Marathi. Police have been directed to conduct a detailed verification of such suspicious certificates. Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad has been assigned responsibility for the investigation drive and has been directed to submit a report by the end of next month.
Around 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges have been issued across Maharashtra. The Transport Department has also received complaints that some applicants are allegedly obtaining auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges using fake certificates claiming 15 years of residence in Maharashtra.
