Auto-rickshaw unions in Maharashtra, represented by the Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyukt Kruti Samiti Maharashtra (ACMSSKSM), are set to initiate statewide protests from May 4 in response to a new directive requiring drivers to demonstrate proficiency in Marathi. The unions have given the state transport department a deadline of April 28 to withdraw the mandate, which they argue could significantly disrupt daily commuting at key public locations, including railway stations and bus depots. Union president Shashank Sharad Rao emphasized that basic communication is sufficient for drivers and that language proficiency should not dictate their ability to earn a living. The unions plan to mobilize public support through a signature campaign and will submit a mass memorandum to the transport minister. They contend that the enforcement of such linguistic criteria is discriminatory and economically harmful, especially as there are 15 lakh auto-rickshaws and taxis in the state, with 2.8 lakh in Mumbai alone. The unions also criticize the lack of similar requirements for private aggregator companies operating in the region.