Pune: As many as 10 autorickshaw drivers received notices for failing to speak in Marathi after the regional transport office (RTO) began inspecting them on Thursday.Pune deputy regional transport officer (RTO) Swapnil Bhosle said a deadline of a month has been given to auto drivers via notices to learn basic Marathi.“They would be evaluated after a month, and if they pass, penal action would not be taken against them, the official said, adding that, however, if they fail again, their badges would be suspended for 3 months. “They would not be able to drive for 3 months,” the official said.He said that upon the completion of the three-month suspension, another test would be taken. If they clear the test, their badges would be reinstated.“If they fail again [after three months], their badges would be dismissed. It means they would never be able to drive. Our inspectors would be holding random checks and talking to them in basic everyday Marathi in a bid to know whether they know the language or not,” Bhosle said.“The autorickshaw drivers who don’t know the language should learn it. The RTO is ready to help them in the same,” the official said.There are 1.45 lakh autorickshaws registered with Pune RTO. The RTO had previously provided 722 autorickshaw drivers with Marathi-language training in Pune. Officials said a test had been conducted and all had passed and were given certificates.Officials clarified that the rule, which came into effect on Aug 16, was only for autorickshaw drivers and meter taxi operators. “Those driving aggregator cabs have been excluded for now,” Bhosle said.The many autorickshaw unions in the city are helping drivers learn basic Marathi. Many autorickshaw drivers are also taking help of their colleagues to learn the language.
