The applicants for auto-rickshaw permits in Mumbai will now have to undergo an oral test for their proficiency in Marthi for verification.
The test would be conducted at the Mumbai East office of the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) at Wadala on February 27.
"From February 27 to March 3, permits will be issued in batches," a government release said.
Government had sought applications for 5,242 auto permits. Maharashtra Minister for Public Transport Diwakar Raote had announced last September that auto-license seekers must have basic knowledge of Marathi.
They also need to be residents of Mumbai for the last 15 years.
The successful applicants will have to bring a demand draft of Rs 16,000 in favour of RTO, Mumbai East, at the time of interview, apart from ration card, proof of residence, election voter identity card, Aadhar card, passport, electricity bill, property tax receipt and photocopies of all these documents.
The decision to make the knowledge of Marathi mandatory for license has been criticised by Mumbai NCP chief Sachin Ahir and his Congress counterpart Sanjay Nirupam.
