Bharat Taxi

Why in News?

Recently, Union Cooperation Minister launched Bharat Taxi across 14 cities in Gujarat.

• Bharat Taxi – India’s First Cooperative Ride‑Hailing Platform.
• Aim – To end exploitation by private cab aggregators and provide fair treatment to both drivers and passengers.
• Established in – 2025.
• Developed by - Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the initiative is supported by the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
• Statutory Framework - It is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. 
• Implementation – Nationwide rollout across all states and cities by 2029.
• Strategic Backing - The platform is promoted by 8 apex national cooperative and financial institutions- NCDC, AMUL (GCMMF), IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NDDB, NCEL, and NABARD. 

Key Features

• Core Philosophy - It operates on the principle of "Sarathi Hi Malik" (Driver is the Owner), turning drivers into primary shareholders rather than independent contractors.
• Ownership – Drivers are stakeholders, not service providers; retain full fare under a zero‑commission model.
• Categories – Services offered in two‑wheelers, auto‑rickshaws, and four‑wheelers.
• Expansion – To begin operations in Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kolkata and target of 500+ cities in 2 years.
• Indigenisation – Homegrown cooperative alternative to foreign investment-based aggregator platforms.
• Social Security – Health insurance, accident insurance, retirement savings, and a dedicated driver support system for Sarathis.
• Safety & Flexibility – Rapid emergency assistance, verified ride data, live tracking, and freedom for drivers to work on multiple platforms without exclusivity restrictions.
• Charges – No platform fee, convenience fee, or commission in-app; 7% service charge at airport prepaid booths for operational expenses.
• Women Empowerment – Bike Didi initiative with over 150 women drivers onboarded to promote women’s livelihood and safety.
• Sahakar Se Samriddhi – Part of the larger cooperative movement already involving crores of farmers.

Sahakar Se Samriddhi aims to achieve empowerment through decentralized, inclusive and transparent cooperatives to boost farmers, workers, and the rural economy.

Reference

The Hindu | Bharat Taxi