Over 1 Lakh Non-Marathi Drivers Learn Marathi; State Urges Others To Complete Training By August 15

Mumbai:  More than one lakh non-Marathi commercial passenger vehicle drivers across Maharashtra have completed practical Marathi language training under the state Transport Department's special campaign, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Thursday. The government has now appealed to the remaining drivers to complete the training by August 15, saying the initiative aims to strengthen communication between drivers and passengers while promoting Marathi through everyday interactions.

Reviewing the progress of the campaign, Sarnaik said learning Marathi while working in Maharashtra should be seen not as a compulsion but as a gesture of respect and belonging. "A driver who speaks a few words in Marathi with passengers becomes an ambassador of Maharashtra's culture. Better communication will make travel smoother and help build a stronger bond between passengers and drivers," he said. The campaign, launched on May 1, is being jointly implemented by the state's Marathi Language Department, Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad. According to the minister, the initiative has now grown into a statewide public movement.

The Transport Department has urged all remaining non-Marathi commercial drivers to complete the training before the August 15 deadline. The campaign is being promoted with the message of respecting Marathi, encouraging warm communication with passengers and strengthening an emotional connection with Maharashtra.

The campaign will conclude on August 17 at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane, where the Chief Minister will preside over the closing ceremony. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar and Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant are also expected to attend. Thousands of drivers who have completed the practical Marathi course will be awarded certificates by the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad during the event.

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