Facilities at RTOs to

learn Marathi

Mumbai, 28 Apr (HS):

A special drive to verify whether rickshaw and taxi drivers know Marathi

language will be undertaken from May 01 to August 15, under the leadership of

Transport Commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik

said. A four member committee has been constituted headed by Gaikwad.

Addressing a press

conference on Tuesday in Mumbai Sarnaik said that the policy of knowing

regional language is mandatory has been accepted by all. All 59 RTOs have been

directed to implement the drive from May 1. Action against illegal transport

will also be taken during the drive. Sarnaik, however, said licence/permit of

transporter will not be cancelled only on the ground of not knowing Marathi.

Facilities will be

made available at RTOs for learning Marathi with the cooperation of Konkan

Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. Marathi e-books will

also be made available. Completion of Marathi learning course will have to be

submitted for renewal of the licence, Sarnaik said.

During a special

drive in Meera Bhaindar out of 3,443 rickshaw driver, 565 could not prove that

they know Marathi. However, they expressed willingness to learn the language.

After the 100-day drive a report will be

submitted on August 16, 2026, and fresh decision for future planning will be

taken.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar