MUMBAI: Shiv Sena leader and former MP Sanjay Nirupam has flagged concerns over the state govt’s move to make knowledge of Marathi compulsory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, urging state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik – a colleague from the same party – to reconsider the decision.In a letter dated April 23, Nirupam said the proposed implementation from May 8 has led to unease among thousands of drivers who depend on daily earnings. He cautioned that enforcing the rule through mandatory language testing could affect livelihoods.While reiterating that respect for Marathi is unquestionable, Nirupam said, “A language grows through acceptance, not enforcement,” indicating that the current approach could lead to fear and uncertainty among drivers. He pointed out that a large section of Mumbai’s taxi and auto drivers come from outside Maharashtra – including Gujarat, north India, Punjab and southern states. A mandatory language test, he said, could add pressure on an already stretched system.
