What happened: Maharashtra extends functional Marathi proficiency to app-based cab drivers
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that Maharashtra will extend its rule requiring functional Marathi proficiency for drivers of commercial passenger vehicles to app-based cab drivers as well.
Maharashtra expects cab drivers to have practical knowledge of Marathi and to be able to communicate with passengers. Cab aggregator platforms, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido, are stated to receive no exemption.
Background and earlier position: 1 May deadline, protests, and training
Maharashtra had initially set 1 May as the deadline for drivers to demonstrate knowledge of Marathi.
After protests by drivers’ unions, Maharashtra launched a functional Marathi training programme and extended the deadline to 15 August.
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