india π Fadnavis clarifies Marathi language rules for drivers
Street protests erupted in parts of Mumbai on Monday due to fear of steep fines linked to a Marathi proficiency drive. Devendra Fadnavis stepped in to clarify that drivers only need basic, work-related Marathi, not expert knowledge. The government issued notices to 1,268 commercial drivers on August 20, and 1,499 non-Marathi speakers across Maharashtra were notified the next day. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik warned of action against officials wrongly fining drivers before the one-month deadline. Drivers who fail the requirement after initial warnings face licence suspension, followed by potential cancellation. π