Nagpur: The Transport Department on Thursday launched a drive against commercial passenger vehicle drivers unable to communicate in Marathi, issuing notices to five autorickshaw drivers on the first day of enforcement in the city.The action follows Maharashtra govt’s mandate that all commercial passenger vehicle drivers, including autorickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers, possess working knowledge of Marathi. The department has begun checking drivers for compliance and is initiating action against those unable to communicate in the language.On the first day, RTO officials checked around 67 passenger vehicles at different locations in the city. Five autorickshaw drivers who could not speak Marathi were issued notices. Officials said further action would be taken under applicable rules if the drivers failed to comply with the requirement.The drive aims to ensure drivers can communicate with passengers in Marathi while creating awareness among other drivers about the govt directive.Meanwhile, 66 non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers who underwent Marathi language training were awarded certificates after completing the programme. It was conducted by Transport Department in association with Rajya Marathi Vikas Sanstha, Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.The training was held at Road Safety Hall at Regional Transport Office (Nagpur City). Besides Marathi communication, drivers were trained in local traffic rules, road safety, courteous behaviour towards passengers and safe driving practices.Officials said the training was intended to help drivers overcome the language barrier while interacting with commuters and the public.Prof Sapan Neherotra, Gayatri Tajne, RTOs Kiran Bidkar and Vijay Chavan, deputy RTO Avinash Raut and Vidarbha Autorickshaw Sanghatana office-bearer Vilas Bhalekar were among those present at the certificate distribution programme.
