What is the story about?
A pilot verification drive in Mira-Bhayandar has made Marathi proficiency a required test for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, along with document checks.
More than 12,000 registered drivers in Mira Road and Bhayandar are being reviewed in batches. Authorities are checking permits and domicile certificates. Drivers must also take a Marathi test to show they can read, write, and speak the language.
The drive began after BJP MLA Narendra Mehta raised concerns with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He pointed to irregularities in issuing licences, badges, and permits. He alleged that new migrants were getting permits without proper checks.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “The drive has been initiated after MLA Narendra Mehta complained to the CM about illegal licences, badges and permits being issued in big numbers in the city. In addition to the verification of the documents, we have asked the drivers to appear for a Marathi test as well. Once the report is submitted on Maharashtra Day, it will be extended across the state.”
What the verification includes
The drive combines document checks with a language test. Domicile certificates require proof of 15 years of residence in Maharashtra. At RTO offices, drivers must write a few paragraphs in Marathi.
This requirement is based on Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, amended in November 2019. Earlier, a certificate from a Marathi language expert was accepted. Now drivers must show their language skills directly.
Drivers who fail either the document check or the language test risk suspension of their licences and permits.
Timeline and possible expansion
The drive will continue until May 1, Maharashtra Day. The Regional Transport Office will submit a report after that. The findings are expected to guide similar drives across Maharashtra.
Mumbai and its suburbs have about 280,000 auto-rickshaw permit holders and 20,000 taxi permit holders. These permit holders employ nearly 500,000 drivers working in shifts. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the number is about 400,000 drivers.
Irregularities flagged by officials
Officials said the action follows a “troubling pattern.” Some migrants were allegedly getting badges soon after arriving, bypassing the 15-year domicile rule. In some cases, 25 to 30 permits were issued under a single address. Many licence holders were reportedly in their early 20s and had recently moved from other states.
Officials also said enforcement had slowed due to multiple departments handling domicile checks. Responsibility was often shifted between offices. The language test is meant to allow action at the RTO without waiting for other departments.
There have also been complaints of disputes between passengers and drivers who cannot communicate in Marathi.
Unions raise objections
Auto and taxi unions have opposed the move. Many permit holders are from northern India.
Union leader Thampi Kurien said, “Under the sections of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, there are provisions where drivers with public driving badges need to know the local language. Also these drivers undergo interactive tests at RTOs where officers ask questions in the state language.”
Autorickshaw Driver Association president Shashank Rao said, “The rule says that drivers have knowledge of language. Very limited knowledge of Marathi is needed between passengers and drivers. We are not against action for forged documents submitted for the licences and badges, but the imposition of Marathi will lead to harassment and corruption.”
(With input from agencies)
More than 12,000 registered drivers in Mira Road and Bhayandar are being reviewed in batches. Authorities are checking permits and domicile certificates. Drivers must also take a Marathi test to show they can read, write, and speak the language.
The drive began after BJP MLA Narendra Mehta raised concerns with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He pointed to irregularities in issuing licences, badges, and permits. He alleged that new migrants were getting permits without proper checks.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “The drive has been initiated after MLA Narendra Mehta complained to the CM about illegal licences, badges and permits being issued in big numbers in the city. In addition to the verification of the documents, we have asked the drivers to appear for a Marathi test as well. Once the report is submitted on Maharashtra Day, it will be extended across the state.”
What the verification includes
The drive combines document checks with a language test. Domicile certificates require proof of 15 years of residence in Maharashtra. At RTO offices, drivers must write a few paragraphs in Marathi.
This requirement is based on Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, amended in November 2019. Earlier, a certificate from a Marathi language expert was accepted. Now drivers must show their language skills directly.
Drivers who fail either the document check or the language test risk suspension of their licences and permits.
Timeline and possible expansion
The drive will continue until May 1, Maharashtra Day. The Regional Transport Office will submit a report after that. The findings are expected to guide similar drives across Maharashtra.
Mumbai and its suburbs have about 280,000 auto-rickshaw permit holders and 20,000 taxi permit holders. These permit holders employ nearly 500,000 drivers working in shifts. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the number is about 400,000 drivers.
Irregularities flagged by officials
Officials said the action follows a “troubling pattern.” Some migrants were allegedly getting badges soon after arriving, bypassing the 15-year domicile rule. In some cases, 25 to 30 permits were issued under a single address. Many licence holders were reportedly in their early 20s and had recently moved from other states.
Officials also said enforcement had slowed due to multiple departments handling domicile checks. Responsibility was often shifted between offices. The language test is meant to allow action at the RTO without waiting for other departments.
There have also been complaints of disputes between passengers and drivers who cannot communicate in Marathi.
Unions raise objections
Auto and taxi unions have opposed the move. Many permit holders are from northern India.
Union leader Thampi Kurien said, “Under the sections of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, there are provisions where drivers with public driving badges need to know the local language. Also these drivers undergo interactive tests at RTOs where officers ask questions in the state language.”
Autorickshaw Driver Association president Shashank Rao said, “The rule says that drivers have knowledge of language. Very limited knowledge of Marathi is needed between passengers and drivers. We are not against action for forged documents submitted for the licences and badges, but the imposition of Marathi will lead to harassment and corruption.”
(With input from agencies)
