In order to improve monitoring of the auto-rickshaw sector and encourage the use of Marathi, the state transport department will carry out a special verification drive from May 1 to August 15, officials said on Monday.According to the department, the campaign will involve scrutiny of permits, badges and driving licences, along with an assessment of drivers' basic ability to communicate in Marathi. ALSO READ: 'Strong Push For Exports And Jobs': Piyush Goyal On India—New Zealand Free Trade AgreementThe exercise, according to officials, is intended to curb irregularities such as fake or duplicate licences and improve transparency in passenger services.Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the initiative will also help bridge communication gaps between drivers and commuters. "Basic knowledge of Marathi is necessary for smooth interaction with passengers. During the drive, we will also verify whether drivers are able to communicate in Marathi," he said.Officials noted that the drive will focus on identifying malpractice in licence issuance, including duplication, while ensuring that genuine drivers are not adversely affected. Data gathered during the drive is expected to be used to streamline regulations in the sector.The move is part of the government's broader push to make “functional Marathi” mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers. ALSO READ: UP, West Bengal Lead India's 10 Hottest Cities; Banda, Prayagraj, Bankura Sizzle At 46 DegreesAt a meeting held at Mantralaya with representatives of rickshaw and taxi unions, Sarnaik said the policy would be implemented in a phased and non-punitive manner."This is not a punitive drive. No licences will be cancelled immediately. Our approach is to create awareness and give drivers adequate time to learn the language,” he said, adding that the government plans to introduce short-term Marathi courses tailored for drivers.The transport department is also expected to roll out awareness campaigns and workshops to help drivers acquire basic language skills.Union representatives have expressed support for the initiative and indicated willingness among drivers to adapt. Authorities day that in a diverse city like Mumbai, basic knowledge of the local language is essential to avoid misunderstandings and improve service delivery. Officials believe better communication will enhance commuter experience and customer satisfaction.Alongside language checks, authorities will carry out a detailed review of bogus licences, badges and permits to strengthen accountability and maintain order in the public transport system.Sarnaik also urged stakeholders not to be swayed by misinformation. "Some misconceptions are being spread. There is no need for panic. This is an awareness-driven initiative, and all concerned will be given sufficient time to comply,” he said.The findings of the three-and-a-half-month drive are expected to inform future policy decisions, including possible regulatory changes.However, challenges remain around implementation at scale, especially in Mumbai where lakhs of drivers operate across shifts. Questions also persist over how the policy will apply to app-based drivers associated with aggregator platforms such as Ola and Uber, with enforcement mechanisms yet to be clarified.With the draft open for public suggestions, the coming weeks are likely to determine how the state balances regulatory intent with practical execution.