Speak Marathi or Lose Your Permit

Investigation into Mira-Bhayandar Licensing Scam

The state government has now issued an order to conduct a thorough re-verification of rickshaw and taxi licenses. Authorities took action after complaints surfaced about the use of forged documents to obtain licenses in the Mira-Bhayandar area. During this re-verification, it will also be strictly scrutinised whether rickshaw drivers know Marathi. Authorities may take action to revoke the licenses of drivers who cannot speak Marathi.

The complaint came to light following complaints made by BJP MLA Narendra Mehta that some migrants and foreign nationals, in collusion with the local administration, obtained residency certificates through forged documents to acquire rickshaw and taxi licenses.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has issued strict directives and has ordered a report to be submitted by May 1. Action will be taken not only against the drivers but also against the officials who issued licenses through wrongful methods.