The Minister urged the remaining drivers to complete the training before August 15, ahead of the implementation of the state transport department’s mandatory Marathi knowledge requirement for commercial passenger vehicle drivers, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, cabs and buses.
Addressing a review meeting of the ‘Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Classes Campaign’, Sarnaik said learning Marathi was not an obligation but a way to connect with the people of Maharashtra.
“If you want to work in Maharashtra, you must connect with Marathi. It is not a language of compulsion, but one of affection. Every driver who speaks a few words of Marathi with passengers becomes an ambassador of Maharashtra’s culture,” he said.
Sarnaik said Marathi represents the identity and cultural heritage of the state, and encouraged everyone earning a livelihood in Maharashtra to respect and adopt the language in daily interactions.
He added that the campaign received an encouraging response after Marathi was granted the status of a Classical Language, with lakhs of non-Marathi drivers participating in the initiative.
The campaign, jointly organised by the state Marathi Language Department, Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, has developed into a statewide movement, he said.
Launched on May 1, the campaign will conclude on August 17 at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant, are also expected to attend the closing ceremony.
During the event, certificates will be distributed to thousands of drivers who have completed practical Marathi language training, Sarnaik said.
The Transport Department has urged all remaining non-Marathi commercial vehicle drivers to complete their training by August 15. The requirement will come into force from August 16 following amendments to Rules 4, 22, 78 and 85 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Officials said drivers who fail to register or complete the training may face scrutiny during verification drives conducted by Regional Transport Offices.
The initiative aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers, facilitate emergency assistance, enhance passenger safety and promote respect for Maharashtra’s language and culture.
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