New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- Amid a row over mandating Marathi's "working knowledge" for cab and rickshaw drivers, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday said the state government would take action against those who do not learn Marathi.

Speaking to ANI, Sarnaik said, "No action will be taken against more than 1,65,000 people who have learned the Marathi language. We will have to take action against those who do not learn Marathi. Our government wants people to come here to work. If you say you won't learn Marathi, then it will not work. Legal action will be taken against those who do not know Marathi. Those who don't learn the Marathi language will have their licenses permanently suspended."

Sarnaik's remarks came after the ...