Mumbai, 25 Aug (HS): A period of four months has been granted for learning

working Marathi language to non-Marathi taxi and autorickshaw and other public

transport drivers. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday said and added

that the state government does not intend to deprive anyone of his/her

business. But they should have working knowledge of the regional language.

Earlier

the drivers were given one month’s period to learn Marathi and later extended

the period by three months. Now the period has been extended by additional four

months. If the drivers refuse to learn Marathi intentionally his/her badge will

be withdrawn. The State Government is continuously talking to them to

understand their problems, Sarnaik said.

With the

105 training 1,65,800 drivers were taught Marathi language. The response was

encouraging and has been continued.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar