The Maharashtra state transport department has announced that from May 1, all licensed taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers must demonstrate proficiency in Marathi. This decision aims to enhance communication between drivers and passengers, particularly in response to complaints about out-of-state drivers struggling to converse in the local language. To facilitate this transition, the department is collaborating with local litterateurs to create a training program for non-Marathi speaking drivers. Notable figures, including Ujjwala Mehendale, president of the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, will participate in developing the curriculum. However, some driver unions, including the Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyukt Kruti Samiti Maharashtra, have expressed strong opposition, threatening to launch state-wide protests starting May 4. They have raised concerns about how the government will enforce the requirement for app-based drivers, such as those working for Ola and Uber. Despite the pushback, the transport minister, Pratap Sarnaik, remains committed to implementing the policy, highlighting the importance of Marathi in the state's transport sector.