Mumbai, July 8 -- The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced that drivers associated with app-based cab and bike-taxi aggregators will have to obtain badges from Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) from August 1, as part of an effort to regulate the sector. Announcing the decision in the state assembly on Tuesday, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said one of the key eligibility conditions for obtaining a driver's badge would be the submission of a domicile certificate, adding that detailed guidelines would be issued soon. The announcement comes months after the state launched a crackdown on bike-taxi operators for allegedly violating the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025. Operators were allegedly found using petrol-powered and privately registered vehicles in violation of the rules, which mandate electric vehicles with commercial registration. The decision also follows complaints from legislators that many drivers associated with app-based aggregators do not know Marathi and drive rashly. Responding to these concerns, Sarnaik said the state government was working on a fresh policy to regularise bike taxi services, while tightening regulatory oversight. "From August 1, it will be mandatory for all drivers of app-based two-wheelers and four-wheelers to possess a valid badge issued by the Regional Transport Office. The proposal has been sent to the law and judiciary department, and detailed guidelines will be issued soon," he told the House. Maharashtra had first announced the introduction of a badge for app-based cab aggregators in December 2014, but the policy was never implemented. To be eligible for a driver's badge, the applicant would have to submit a domicile certificate, Sarnaik said. "It is intended to regulate the entry of people from other states into the profession and create greater employment opportunities for local youth," he added. The state is also introducing new charges for bike taxi companies to help regulate the sector and bring illegal operators under control. "At a meeting chaired by the chief minister, it was decided that every bike taxi operator will have to pay Rs.5 per day to the state government. In addition, 2% of the fare on every ride will be collected as a welfare fund," said Sarnaik. According to the minister, nearly 400,000 to 450,000 app-based bike taxis are currently operating in Maharashtra without valid permits....