India, April 15 -- From May 1, the state government will make it mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers and permit holders to be proficient in Marathi if they want to hold on to their licences.

The directive, which will be implemented from Maharashtra Day, was announced by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, a senior Shiv Sena leader, on Tuesday. Sarnaik said the Regional Transport Offices (RTO) will launch a verification drive across the state this week. "It will be conducted across its 59 regional and sub-regional offices to ensure drivers can effectively read, write and speak Marathi," said Sarnaik. Drivers and permit holders found lacking basic Marathi language skills will have their licences and permits cancelled.

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