Mumbai, April 27: A significant initiative regarding passenger transport services is set to begin in Maharashtra. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik convened an important meeting on Monday with leaders of auto-rickshaw and taxi unions.
The primary aim of this meeting is to discuss the proposal for implementing a “practical Marathi” examination for drivers seeking to obtain licenses for transport services in the state.
According to government sources, the objective of this proposal is to ensure that there are no communication barriers between passengers and drivers. In a multilingual state like Maharashtra, many drivers come from other states and are not proficient in Marathi, leading to communication issues for passengers.
Prominent union representatives, including Sanjay Nirupam and Shashank Rao, are expected to participate in the meeting. The government will discuss various aspects of this proposal with these leaders, including the necessity of the language examination, its format, and the process of implementation.
It is also reported that the meeting will consider how to make it easier for drivers who do not know Marathi to learn the language. Options such as language training programs, short courses, and learning facilities through digital means may also be discussed.
However, mixed reactions have emerged regarding this proposal. Some union leaders believe that this step is essential for promoting the local language and enhancing passenger convenience, while others view it as an additional burden on drivers. They argue that the licensing process is already complex, and adding another requirement could complicate matters for new drivers.
According to union representatives, it will only be clear after this meeting how the government intends to implement this proposal. This issue is linked not only to language but also to employment and regional balance, making it a challenging task for the government to reach a consensus among all parties involved.