Bharat Taxi: Driver-Owned Cooperative Cab Platform
Why in the news
Union Minister Piyush Goyal rolled out the Bharat Taxi app and a driver registration drive in Mumbai. The platform wants to free drivers from the steep commissions of private aggregators such as Ola and Uber.
Key facts
- Motto: “Sarathi Hi Malik” (the driver is the owner); drivers are called Sarathis.
- Model: a cooperative in which drivers are shareholders, rather than contractors.
- Founders: eight apex cooperative institutions such as Amul, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED and NABARD, set up on 6 June 2025.
- Registration: under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
- National launch: by Home Minister Amit Shah on 5 February 2026, New Delhi.
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Zero commission | Drivers keep 100% of fares; no per-ride commission or hidden subscription fees |
| Loans | Easy access to MUDRA loans to upgrade vehicles or shift to EVs |
| Insurance | ₹5 lakh personal accident plus ₹5 lakh family health cover |
| Co-ownership | Buy cooperative shares; five shares cost ₹500 at the minimum |
Concepts
- It runs as a non-profit; a 7% service charge applies at certain points like airport prepaid counters to meet costs, while ordinary app bookings stay commission-free.
- Sahkar se Samriddhi means prosperity through cooperation, the guiding idea of the Ministry of Cooperation for jobs and social security at grassroots.
Exam angle
- Registered under MSCS Act, 2002; founded 6 June 2025.
- Launched in Mumbai by Piyush Goyal; national launch by Amit Shah.
- Linked terms: Sarathi, MUDRA loans, Sahkar se Samriddhi.