AdvertisementMumbai: The Maharashtra Government has made practical knowledge of the Marathi language mandatory for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers in the State, warning of strict penalties for non-compliance with the rules. The amendment specifically targets drivers and permit holders of auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based motor cabs equipped with electronic meters. According to the amended Rule 78 and Rule 85, the concerned permit holder must possess practical knowledge of the language. Under the new rules, if an autorickshaw or taxi driver does not have practical knowledge of Marathi and cannot speak Marathi even at the level required for basic conversation, the driver will first be given a one-month notice. “These amendments remove ambiguity in the rules and make the importance of practical Marathi for passenger-vehicle drivers clearer.