NCP (SP) says it will launch citywide free language training for all autorickshaw, taxi drivers following state government’s new order; 150-200 retired teachers to volunteer for the free-of-cost initiative
Taking a calibrated approach to the state government’s
decision to make Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers from May
1, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) has announced that it will offer free Marathi
classes to drivers across Mumbai, aiming to ease the transition rather than
oppose the move outright.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the minority department of the party,
which has been working on a roadmap for the past month. As part of the plan,
discussions were held with the Anjuman-I-Islam educational trust, culminating
in a meeting with its president and noted educationist Zahir Kazi, who has
approved the proposal. The organisation runs around 20–22 schools across Mumbai
and has a strong network of nearly 1,500 teachers.
Rashid Khan, president of the minority department of NCP
(SP), said the plan involves mobilising retired teachers from this network.
“Around 150 to 200 retired teachers have agreed to volunteer. They will conduct
two-hour classes in the evenings for auto and taxi drivers, making it
convenient for those working long hours during the day,” Khan said.
In a letter addressed to Kazi, Khan emphasised that the initiative is not just
about language learning but also about social inclusion and empowerment. “This
collaborative educational effort will promote Marathi language awareness,
academic growth, and social empowerment. At the same time, it will further
strengthen the image of Anjuman-I-Islam as a progressive and socially committed
educational institution. Active participation in promoting the state language
will enhance the institution’s goodwill, broaden its public outreach, and
increase its popularity and credibility across communities,” the letter stated.