India’s cooperative sector has witnessed a significant development with the introduction of “Bharat Taxi,” the nation’s first taxi service based on a cooperative ownership model. More than 50,000 drivers from Gujarat have already signed up for this initiative, which has commenced operations in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Delhi, with plans for a nationwide expansion in stages.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the cooperative framework of Bharat Taxi aims to empower drivers as members and stakeholders of the cooperative, rather than mere commission-based workers. Shah emphasized that this model places drivers at the core of ownership, ensuring they have control over their earnings without being subjected to commission or surge pricing.
The service, operated through Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, has garnered significant interest during its pilot phase in Gujarat and Delhi-NCR, with a high volume of daily trips completed. Known as “Sarathis,” drivers on this platform can work without exclusivity, giving them the flexibility to engage with other platforms if desired, while maintaining transparent fares for passengers and a stable income source for themselves.
Gujarat Government Spokesperson Jitu Vaghani praised the launch of Bharat Taxi, highlighting how cooperative principles have been effectively integrated into technology-driven services. The platform, which currently facilitates bookings for cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers via a mobile application, also includes features like insurance coverage and support mechanisms for registered drivers. The nationwide expansion of Bharat Taxi is anticipated to generate fresh livelihood opportunities and bolster the cooperative movement in emerging sectors of the economy.
