The Maharashtra government has launched a verification drive for auto and taxi drivers in Mira Bhayandar, requiring them to pass a Marathi language test to maintain their permits. This initiative, part of a pilot project, aims to address irregularities in transport license issuance and enhance communication between drivers and passengers. Currently, over 12,000 drivers are undergoing this review, which will continue until May 1, Maharashtra Day. The test involves writing short passages in Marathi, and those who fail risk losing their licenses. This move stems from complaints regarding rapid permit issuance to new migrants without proper checks. Critics, including auto and taxi unions, argue that basic Marathi suffices for communication and that existing rules already assess language proficiency. Previous attempts to enforce similar requirements faced legal challenges, raising questions about the current initiative's sustainability. Maharashtra's approach, if successful, could set a precedent for other states with similar language mandates for transport workers.