Following the state government’s decision to make Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, the Navnirman Sena (MNS) has launched free Marathi language classes for drivers in the city.
Under the new rule, drivers will have to pass a Marathi language test to retain their licences, failing which their permits could be cancelled. The regulation is set to be implemented strictly from May 1 across Maharashtra.
In this backdrop, MNS Mira-Bhayander city president Sandeep Rane inaugurated the initiative on Tuesday.
The inaugural session received a strong response, with around 100 to 150 auto-rickshaw drivers voluntarily participating to learn the language.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and welcomed the effort, stating that the classes would help them comply with the upcoming regulations.
MNS said the objective of the programme is to ensure that local drivers are adequately prepared to meet the new language requirements and avoid any disruption to their livelihoods once the rule comes into force.
Navnirman Sena (MNS)
The Navnirman Sena (MNS) is a regional political party in the Indian state of Maharashtra, founded in 2006 by Raj Thackeray after he split from the Shiv Sena. The party is known for its strong advocacy of Marathi identity and rights, often taking a hardline stance on issues like job reservations for locals and opposition to migrants from other states. It has been a significant, though often controversial, force in Maharashtra politics, particularly in Mumbai and surrounding urban areas.
Marathi
Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by the Marathi people in the Indian state of Maharashtra, with a rich literary and cultural history dating back over a thousand years. It evolved from Maharashtri Prakrit and gained prominence during the Yadava dynasty (12th–14th centuries), with early works including the *Jnaneshwari* and *Dnyaneshwari* by saint-poet Dnyaneshwar. Today, Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra and is celebrated for its vibrant traditions in literature, theater, and cinema, including the iconic Marathi film industry.
