In News:

• India is set to launch ‘Bharat Taxi’, the country’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, in November 2025, beginning in Delhi.
• The initiative marks a transformative step in the government’s efforts to democratise the digital economy by ensuring equitable participation and income security for gig workers, particularly cab drivers.
• The project is being implemented jointly by the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

About Bharat Taxi

Bharat Taxi is a government-backed cooperative cab service designed to offer an alternative to private app-based aggregators such as Ola and Uber. It operates on the principle of “cooperative ownership and collective welfare”, where drivers act as both service providers and shareholders.

Implementing Structure

• Promoting Body: Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd., established in June 2025.
• Initial Capital: ?300 crore.
• Supported By: Leading cooperative institutions such as Amul, IFFCO, NAFED, KRIBHCO, NABARD, and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
• Governance:
  • Chairperson: Jayen Mehta (MD, Amul/GCMMF)
  • Vice-Chairman: Rohit Gupta (Deputy MD, NCDC)

Objectives

• Empower Drivers: Convert cab drivers into cooperative members (“Saarthis”) and shareholders.
• Ensure Fair Earnings: Eliminate high commissions (up to 25% under private apps) through a zero-commission model.
• Provide Affordable, Transparent Rides: Introduce fare regulation with no surge pricing or hidden costs.
• Promote Cooperative Entrepreneurship: Strengthen India’s cooperative movement in the digital services economy.
• Enhance Urban Mobility: Offer a reliable, ethical, and citizen-friendly transport option integrated with government e-platforms.

Key Features