In a bid to improve communication between commercial vehicle drivers and passengers, the Maharashtra government is planning a structured initiative to equip drivers with working knowledge of Marathi. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said literary organisations have come forward to support the effort, and a formal curriculum will be developed in the coming weeks.
Literary Organisations Step In
The proposal centres on collaboration with established literary institutions, including the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad. Members of these bodies have expressed willingness to train drivers operating autorickshaws, taxis, and e-bike taxi services in practical, conversational Marathi.
According to officials, the focus will be on everyday communication rather than formal language instruction, ensuring that drivers can interact effectively with passengers in routine situations. The training is expected to be delivered through both in-person sessions and digital platforms.
The Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad has indicated that it will conduct training through its network of 72 branches, aiming to create an accessible and supportive learning environment. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh plans to offer online classes led by volunteer teachers.
No Cost to Drivers, Says Minister
Sarnaik clarified that the training programme will be free of cost for drivers, removing any financial barrier to participation. The government sees this as a facilitative measure rather than a punitive one, intended to enhance service quality and passenger convenience.
Officials present at the meeting included Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, Deputy Secretary of the Marathi Language Department Namdev Bhosale, and Director of the State Marathi Development Institute Dr. Shamkant Devare, among others. The meeting, held at Mantralaya, also brought together experts and literary figures to discuss implementation strategies.
Licence Checks Planned on Maharashtra Day
As part of the broader push, the transport department will conduct a statewide inspection drive on Maharashtra Day, focusing on compliance among autorickshaw and taxi drivers. In addition to verifying licences and regulatory requirements, authorities will assess whether drivers possess a basic working knowledge of Marathi.
Officials said the exercise is intended to encourage adoption of the language while reinforcing existing regulations. Alongside enforcement, the initiative also seeks to promote greater cultural familiarity and comfort with Marathi among drivers.
Backing from Literary Community
The campaign has received support from several senior literary figures, including Ujjwala Mehendale, Mahesh Keluskar, Santosh Rane, Ashok Bagwe, Bal Kandalkar, Sunil Tambe, Shivaji Gavde, Satish Solankurkar, Arun Mhatre, Eknath Awhad, Prasad Kulkarni, Ashok Chitnis, Anupama Ujagare, Deepa Thanekar, and Manisha Rajput.
Sarnaik expressed confidence that their involvement would help design an effective and practical training framework. Authorities expect the combined efforts of government and literary institutions to strengthen communication standards in the state’s transport sector while promoting wider use of Marathi in daily interactions.
