Source: TH
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: India’s first cooperative-based taxi service ‘Bharat Taxi’ is being formally launched by Union Minister in New Delhi.
- The launch marks a major push to cooperative-led, driver-owned mobility, aligned with the vision of Sahkar se Samriddhi.
About India’s first cooperative-based taxi service – Bharat Taxi:
What it is?
- Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-sector, driver-owned ride-hailing platform, designed as an indigenous alternative to aggregator-based models like Ola and Uber, with drivers (Sarathis) as owners and stakeholders.
Organisation(s) involved:
Aim: To promote inclusive, citizen-centric mobility by empowering drivers through cooperative ownership, ensuring fair income distribution, social security, and freedom from exploitative commission-based platforms.
Key features:
- Driver-owned model: Guided by the principle Sarathi hi Malik—drivers are shareholders and decision-makers.
- Zero-commission & surge-free pricing: Entire fare initially goes to drivers; profits are redistributed within the cooperative.
- Strong social security: ₹5 lakh accident insurance, ₹5 lakh family health insurance, retirement savings, and emergency support.
- Women empowerment initiatives: Sarathi Didi and Bike Didi, with 150+ women drivers onboard.
- Digital & safety integration: Multilingual app, transparent fares, real-time tracking, verified ride data, and police integration.
- Non-exclusive model: Drivers can work simultaneously on other platforms.
Significance
- Strengthens cooperative movement: Extends cooperatives into the digital platform economy.
- Improves driver welfare: Enhances income security, dignity of labour, and long-term financial stability.
- Indigenous mobility alternative: Reduces dependence on foreign-funded aggregators and aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
