A recent pilot inspection conducted in the Mira-Bhayandar region of Maharashtra revealed that 15% of the 3,760 autorickshaw drivers checked were unable to communicate in Marathi, a requirement for public transport drivers in the state. The pilot, which took place from April 2 to May 1, will serve as a foundation for a comprehensive assessment across all 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra, set to run until August 15. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the goal is to ensure drivers can effectively communicate with passengers, not to jeopardize their livelihoods. The initiative follows the amendment of Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, which mandates drivers to have a working knowledge of Marathi. Although initial announcements indicated potential penalties for non-compliance, the government has since softened its stance, focusing on verification and support rather than punishment. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has voiced support for providing language training to drivers, advocating for the promotion of Marathi through education rather than coercion.