Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that while Marathi should be given priority in the state, any form of violence in the name of language will not be tolerated.

Addressing concerns over rising linguistic tensions, Fadnavis stated that promoting Marathi in cities like Mumbai and across Maharashtra is appropriate, but it must be done responsibly without creating conflict.

Taking a constructive approach, he announced that auto and taxi drivers who do not understand Marathi will be provided with language training. He emphasised that the government would focus on education rather than coercion.

“Those drivers who do not know Marathi will be taught the language. Forcing or resorting to violence in its name is unacceptable,” he said.

The remarks come amid tensions in Thane near Mumbai, where banners were put up near an office of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena warning non-Marathi auto and taxi drivers. The banners reportedly cautioned drivers against participating in shutdowns and warned of consequences if public inconvenience continued, raising concerns about vigilantism and linguistic divisions.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that from May 1, auto and taxi drivers across the state will be assessed for their Marathi proficiency.

The government has partnered with organisations such as Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh to design training modules for non-Marathi drivers.

Officials clarified that there will be no written examination. Instead, drivers will be evaluated on their ability to understand and speak basic Marathi, and those who qualify will be issued certificates.

Authorities noted that the requirement for drivers to know the local language already exists under provisions of the Motor Vehicles framework, which allows states to impose such conditions while granting permits.