Maharashtra: Marathi mandatory for rickshaw and taxi drivers from May 1: Transport Minister Sarnaik
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Thane (PTI): Knowing Marathi will be mandatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra from May 1, and a statewide campaign will be conducted through the offices of the Motor Transport Department, cabinet minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by his office, Sarnaik warned that the licenses of drivers who do not possess basic knowledge of Marathi will be cancelled.
"From May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, it will be mandatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers to know Marathi. A state-wide inspection campaign will be conducted through 59 regional and sub-regional offices of the Motor Transport Department to verify if drivers can read and write the language," the minister stated.
Sarnaik noted that while the rule requiring knowledge of the local language for issuing licenses is already in force, it is being widely flouted.
He highlighted that the Transport Department has received numerous complaints, particularly from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur, regarding drivers being unable or reluctant to communicate with passengers in Marathi.
"It is everyone's duty to learn the language of the region where they conduct business. While it is important to be proud of one's mother tongue, it is equally vital to respect the state's language while working there," the Shiv Sena leader added.
He said the crackdown would not be limited to drivers alone.
"Strict action will also be taken against transport officials found guilty of incorrectly issuing licenses by ignoring these established rules," the minister stated.
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Delhi records 38.2 deg C as daytime temperatures soar; warmer nights ahead
New Delhi (PTI): As summer heat slowly builds after a relatively cool start to April, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung on Tuesday, signalling a steady intensification of heat across the national capital.
Station-wise data showed that the day temperatures remained above normal across most parts of the city.
At Safdarjung, the maximum temperature was 38.2 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees above normal, while Palam recorded 37.6 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees above normal.
Lodhi Road logged 38.1 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees above normal, and Ridge saw the highest at 39.5 degrees Celsius, a sharp 3.2 degrees above normal. Ayanagar recorded 37.8 degrees Celsius, 1.6 degrees above normal.
Minimum temperatures showed that Safdarjung recorded a minimum of 18.2 degrees Celsius, 2.8 degrees below normal, while Palam stood at 20.4 degrees Celsius, 1.0 degrees below normal.
Lodhi Road recorded 17.6 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees below normal, Ridge 19.6 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees below normal, and Ayanagar 18.1 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees below normal.
Despite rising daytime heat, nights have remained relatively cooler than usual.
Weather data suggests that this upward trend in temperatures is likely to continue, with maximum temperatures expected to reach around 39 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while minimum temperatures are forecasted to settle near 20 degrees Celsius, indicating warmer nights and more intense daytime conditions ahead.
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remains in the 'moderate' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 167.
According to CPCB standards, an AQI of 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
With temperatures rising and air quality hovering in the moderate range, Delhi appears to be transitioning firmly into its early summer phase, with harsher conditions likely in the days ahead.
