Source: TH
Subject: Economy
Context: Union Home and Cooperation Minister formally launched ‘Bharat Taxi’, India’s first cooperative-based taxi service, aimed at transforming the unorganised taxi sector into an ownership-driven model for drivers.
About Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited:
What it is?
- Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited is a multi-state cooperative society registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. It is the body responsible for operating the Bharat Taxi platform.
- Unlike traditional corporate aggregators, it is owned and governed by the drivers themselves, who are referred to as ‘Sarathis’.
- Established In: June 6, 2025.
- Promoted By: Leading cooperative institutions including NCDC, IFFCO, GCMMF (Amul), KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB, and NCEL.
Aim and Objectives:
- Empowerment: To shift the unorganised taxi sector into an ownership-rights model where the driver is the Malik (owner).
- Economic Freedom: To eliminate high middleman commissions (often 20-30%) and ensure 100% of the fare (minus a nominal daily access fee) goes directly to the Sarathi.
- Women’s Safety: To provide safe, affordable, and dignified travel for women through the ‘Sarathi Didi’ initiative.
- Social Security: To provide gig workers with access to health insurance, pensions, and government welfare schemes.
How the Model Works?
- Ownership via Shares: Drivers become members of the cooperative by purchasing shares (as low as ₹500). This entitles them to a share in the profits and a vote in the board’s decision-making.
- Zero-Commission Model: The platform does not take a percentage of every ride. Instead, it operates on a transparent, flat daily access fee (approx. ₹30 for cabs and ₹18 for autos).
- Direct Payment: Fare payments are transferred automatically and immediately into the Sarathi’s bank account.
- Democratic Governance: Two representatives chosen by the Sarathis sit on the Board of Directors to look after the interests of the community.
Key Features:
- Sarathi Didi: A dedicated in-app window allowing women passengers to book rides specifically with female drivers (Sarathi Didis) on two-wheelers.
- No Surge Pricing: Provides transparent and fixed pricing for passengers, even during peak hours.
- Integrated Services: Includes two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheeler taxis on a single platform.
- Social Safety Net: Integrated with the e-Shram portal, giving drivers access to Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (free treatment up to ₹5 lakh) and other gig-worker benefits.
Significance:
- By offering an alternative to the Western commission-based model, it forces private competitors to reduce their fees to remain competitive.
- Within three years, the service is planned to expand across India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
