Mumbai: Mumbai’s autorickshaw drivers are learning Marathi ahead of the state’s new language requirement, but some commuters may find the lessons amusing for another reason — drivers are reportedly focusing heavily on phrases that help them refuse rides.
After nearly a week of Marathi classes organised through the Regional Transport Office (RTO), one driver in Kurla reportedly kept a list of phrases ranging from “I need to eat” and “I need to go home” to “I need to refill CNG” and “I need to repair the auto”.
Refusing rides becomes part of the lesson
The notes were not limited to excuses. They also included useful phrases such as “hoy, basa” (yes, please sit), “kuthey jaychay?” (where do you want to go?), directions such as right and left, and phrases for asking for change.
However, ride refusals remain a major concern for Mumbai commuters, accounting for around 60% of complaints against autorickshaw drivers, according to the report.
Union raises concern over private classes
Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien said many non-Marathi-speaking drivers had acquired basic working knowledge of the language.
He also raised concerns about unauthorised Marathi coaching classes allegedly charging drivers at least Rs 500. Kurien called for action against such classes and urged the government to continue its online Marathi learning platform.
Marathi rule set to be enforced
The language initiative comes ahead of enforcement of amended Motor Vehicles Rules requiring commercial passenger vehicle drivers to have working knowledge of Marathi.
The training deadline ended on August 15, while enforcement is scheduled to begin on August 18. Drivers who violate the requirement will receive show-cause notices and a month to improve their functional Marathi skills. More than 1 lakh certificates have reportedly been prepared for distribution across Maharashtra’s 58 RTOs.
For Mumbai passengers, the real test may simply be whether “hoy, basa” becomes more common than “mala ghari jaychay”.