인도 택시 운전기사, 지역 언어 배우지 않으면 면허 취소

Imagine a taxi driver in a new city. A passenger gets in the car. They speak a language the driver does not understand. This is a real problem in one Indian state.

The state of Maharashtra has made a new rule. All taxi and tuk-tuk drivers must learn Marathi, the local language. Drivers have one year to do this. If they do not learn Marathi, they will lose their driving licence. No licence means no job.

Why did the government make this rule? Officials say it helps passengers. When drivers speak the local language, passengers feel safe. Drivers can answer questions and give good directions. Communication becomes easier for everyone.

But many drivers are very unhappy. Some drivers come from other states or countries. They already speak Hindi or English. Learning a new language takes time and money. Drivers must pay for classes. They must study after long work days. Many drivers have small families and small paychecks. They say this rule is not fair to them.

Drivers have protested in the streets. They held signs. They stopped working for one day to show their anger. The government listened to their complaints. That is why the government gave drivers a full year. One year is enough time to learn a new language, officials said.

Some people support the rule. They say Marathi drivers know the city better. They can give tourists real stories about the place. Other people think the rule is too hard. They ask: why should a driver lose their job because of language?

This story shows a big question: how do we balance old and new? How do we keep local culture alive? And how do we stay fair to people who work hard? What do you think—is one year enough time to learn a new language and keep your job?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.