Mumbai: Over 1.6 lakh autorickshaw drivers yet to complete mandatory Marathi training

Rahul Kumar Yadav, an auto driver who pointed out loopholes in the rules. PICS/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR

With barely two weeks left for the August 15 deadline, only 32,520 of the nearly two lakh registered autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai have completed the mandatory four-session Marathi language training and received their certificates, raising questions over the implementation of the drive. "It's difficult to say how many registered auto drivers are actually Marathi speakers, as many drive autos on rent," said Ravi Gaikwad, RTO, joint-commissioner and president of Marathi Samiti.

Maganlal Gupta, auto driver from Santacruz who hasn't attended classes yet

A reality check by mid-day has revealed glaring loopholes in the system, with several drivers alleging that certificates are being issued without attending the training in exchange for money. "When I went to check about the class to register and start it, a person outside the class asked for my documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN Card, Driving licence and copy of my permit. After showing the documents, he demanded Rs 500 and said that he would give me the certificate only after I attend just one class instead of all four. I later learnt that all auto drivers who have finished all four sessions will get certificates on August 15 together," said an auto driver who allegedly had this experience at a training centre in Wadala.

‘Rules for drivers'

"Many autos are owned by Marathi-speaking permit holders, but they are rented out to drivers from other states. Since the permit holder already fulfils the requirement, the person actually interacting with passengers does not need to undergo the Marathi training. The rule should apply to the driver, not just the owner," said Rakesh Yadav, who has been driving an autorickshaw in Mumbai for
over a decade.

Name game

Others pointed to gaps in the rules that allow non-Marathi-speaking drivers to continue operating without certification if the autorickshaw permit is registered in the name of a Marathi-speaking owner. "No, I will not need to go because the person who has the permit for this auto is a Marathi speaker, so I don't need to worry," said Rahul Kumar Yadav, an auto driver.

Confusion prevails

Maganlal Gupta, another auto driver
‘I live in Santacruz. When I tried to enquire about the location of these classes, no one had any proper information. I wanted to complete the training, but every driver mentions a different location. There is no proper information, so many of us are still waiting.'

1,85,537
Permit holders

35,840
Non-Marathi autorickshaw permit holders who have undergone training

36,720
Auto drivers attending sessions

48
Total number of centres providing training across Mumbai