"Maharashtra Launches Rickshaw Driver Verification Drive From May 1"

The Maharashtra transport department will begin a special verification drive for auto-rickshaw drivers from May 1 to August 15, focusing on licence compliance, permit checks, and basic Marathi language proficiency. The initiative is aimed at addressing irregularities in the sector while improving communication between drivers and passengers across the state. Officials said the campaign will be rolled out in phases rather than through immediate large-scale enforcement.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the drive is intended to identify fake licences, invalid permits, and other documentation issues that affect transparency in public transport services. Authorities will examine driving licences, badges, and permits during inspections. The minister said better regulation is necessary to ensure passenger safety and improve trust in the auto-rickshaw system.

Alongside document checks, officials will also assess whether drivers have a working knowledge of Marathi. Sarnaik said basic understanding of the language is important for smooth day-to-day interaction with commuters in Maharashtra. The government views the language component as a practical communication measure, particularly in urban areas where rickshaws remain a major mode of transport.

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The minister stressed that the campaign should not be seen as punitive and urged stakeholders not to spread misinformation about the policy. Instead, he described it as a corrective and service-orientated exercise designed to improve standards in the sector. The move comes amid broader efforts by the state government to strengthen regulation, streamline transport services, and encourage wider use of Marathi in public-facing professions.

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