Auto permits only for Marathi speakers in Mumbai sparks controversy

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government is going to release 1 lakh auto permits in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region during Diwali. The "Diwali gift", as the Maharashtra government calls it, has run into controversy. The NCP has objected to a clause by the transport department which says that the rickshaw permits would be given only to those who can speak Marathi.

Former NCP state minister for transport Sachin Ahir claimed that the mandatory clause of ability to speak Marathi is wrong and there should be no compulsion. Ahir claimed that since Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city, such compulsions should be avoided.

"Such policy decisions should not be taken unilaterally. It's not that only Marathi speaking people travel in rickshaws. A rickshaw driver can use Hindi or any other language to converse with his passengers. A rickshaw driver knowing Marathi is important, but it should not be made compulsory," said Ahir in a press statement. Ahir also claimed the transport department has no right to enforce such a rule.

Maharashtra transport minister Diwakar Raote has, however, denied that the move is biased against other communities. "The permits would be given regardless of caste, creed or religion to those who have a domicile certificate. So anyone who fulfills this criteria can apply and get the permit.

However, the driver needs to know Marathi. If you have lived for 15 years in the state, then it is a reasonable expectation that you would know at least a little bit of the language," said Raote.

While NCP might be creating a controversy over the issue, Thampi Kurien, general secretary of the Mumbai Rickshaw Men Union, said they have no objection to the clause. "First of all, it is not a new rule. It is an old rule under the Motor Vehicles Act that drivers involved in public service should know how to speak Marathi.

We have no issues because anyway the permits are given to only those who are domiciled for 15 years and that is enough time to know the language," said Kurien.