In a significant move to enhance regulatory compliance, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mumbai is scrutinizing the permits and domicile certificates of over 12,000 auto and taxi drivers in Mira Road and Bhayandar. This initiative, prompted by complaints from BJP MLA Narendra Mehta regarding irregularities in the issuance of licenses, badges, and permits, includes a mandatory Marathi fluency test. Drivers must demonstrate their proficiency in both spoken and written Marathi, as stipulated by an amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules in November 2019. Failure to pass these tests could result in the suspension of their licenses.

The RTO's verification process is expected to conclude by May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, when a report will be submitted. The findings may lead to similar initiatives across the state. Concerns have been raised about the rapid issuance of permits to migrants, with reports of multiple permits being issued to individuals at the same address, raising questions about the integrity of the domicile verification process.

While the government aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers, particularly in light of past complaints about language barriers, auto and taxi unions have expressed opposition to the language requirement. They argue that the existing regulations already ensure that drivers possess adequate knowledge of Marathi, and fear that the new measures could lead to harassment and corruption.