Bharat Taxi – India’s First Cooperative Cab Service
Syllabus: Economy, Governance, Cooperative Sector (UPSC Prelims)
Source: Deccan Herald
Context:
India will launch ‘Bharat Taxi’, the country’s first cooperative ride-hailing service, in November 2025 in Delhi. The initiative is being implemented under the Ministry of Cooperation in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
About Bharat Taxi:
- What it is:
Bharat Taxi is a government-backed cooperative digital cab platform that enables drivers to become members and shareholders, ensuring collective ownership, fair income, and transparency—a shift from the existing corporate aggregator model. - Implementing Agency:
Union Ministry of Cooperation in partnership with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). - Aim:
To build a fair, transparent, and sustainable mobility ecosystem that safeguards driver welfare, offers affordable rides, and integrates seamlessly with India’s digital public infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Cooperative Model:
Operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd. with an initial corpus of ₹300 crore, supported by major cooperatives such as Amul, IFFCO, NAFED, KRIBHCO, NABARD, and NCDC. - Driver Ownership:
Drivers, called “Saarthis,” are shareholders—not contract workers—and retain 100% of fare earnings. - Digital Integration:
Linked with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu for secure digital identity, service access, and data interoperability. - Transparent Pricing:
No surge pricing or hidden charges; fares will follow a transparent and regulated structure to ensure affordability. - Phased Expansion:
- Phase I (2025): Launch in Delhi with 650 driver-owners.
- Phase II (2026): Expansion to 20 cities.
- Phase III (by 2030): Target of 1 lakh cabs nationwide.
Significance:
- Promotes cooperative entrepreneurship in India’s digital economy.
- Enhances income security and dignity for cab drivers through shared ownership.
- Reduces dependence on private aggregator platforms, fostering fair competition.
- Supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by combining technology with cooperative principles.
- Aligns with Digital India and Ease of Living goals through efficient, citizen-friendly mobility services.
Conclusion:
Bharat Taxi represents a new model of digital cooperativism, merging technology with social equity.
By empowering drivers as stakeholders and ensuring transparent governance, it sets a precedent for inclusive, self-reliant, and people-centric platforms in India’s growing gig economy.
