‘Sarathi Hi Malik’: No commission, full ownership — Amit Shah launches Bharat Taxi

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will launch India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, “Bharat Taxi,” in the national capital on Thursday. The launch aims to strengthen the cooperative sector and offer a fair and people-focused transport service.

The new platform has been designed to support drivers, create jobs, and give them better income and social security. The system will provide citizens with affordable and straightforward travel options.

The Ministry of Cooperation said this step is part of its larger effort to make cooperatives a strong tool for employment, safety, and economic growth at the grassroots level.

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What is Bharat Taxi and how is it different from other ride apps?

Bharat Taxi is India’s first ride-hailing service that is fully owned and run by drivers through a cooperative model. Drivers are called “Sarathis.” Unlike private aggregator apps, this platform does not charge commission from drivers.

It follows a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model, which means drivers keep their earnings and passengers do not face high prices during peak hours.

The platform also allows drivers to work on other apps. There are no exclusivity rules. This gives Sarathis more freedom and control over their work.

Officials say this system helps protect drivers from unfair practices seen in some aggregator-based models.

Driver Ownership Model: ‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ at the centre

The key idea behind Bharat Taxi is “Sarathi Hi Malik”, which means the driver is the owner.

During the launch event, six top-performing Sarathis will be honoured for their contribution. Amit Shah will also distribute share certificates to them, showing their ownership in the cooperative.

To support their safety and well-being, each honoured Sarathi will receive:

• Personal accident insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh
• Family health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh

The ministry said these steps show the platform’s focus on long-term driver welfare and social security.

How will Bharat Taxi support drivers’ income and safety?

Bharat Taxi has introduced several benefits for Sarathis. These include:

• Health insurance
• Accident insurance
• Retirement savings support
• Dedicated driver support system
• Rapid emergency assistance
• Verified ride data for safety

Support centres are already running at seven key places in Delhi. These centres help drivers with daily issues and provide quick solutions.

To promote women’s participation, the platform has also started the “Bike Didi” initiative. So far, more than 150 women drivers have joined under this scheme.

Nine Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) will also be exchanged with public and private groups to improve digital systems, safety, and service delivery.

India's first cooperative ride-hailing platform expands fast

Bharat Taxi is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and was established on June 6, 2025.

Since then, the platform has grown quickly. According to the Ministry of Cooperation:

• Over 3 lakh drivers have joined
• More than 1 lakh users are registered
• Around 10,000 rides are completed daily
• Operations are active in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat
• About Rs 10 crore has been directly distributed to drivers

Officials say it is now the world’s first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing platform and the largest driver-owned mobility service.

What are Bharat Taxi’s future expansion plans across India?

The platform has big plans for growth. Over the next two years, Bharat Taxi aims to expand to all states and cities in the country.

It also plans to:

• Open support centres in every state
• Improve social security for drivers
• Strengthen digital systems
• Build an inclusive and sustainable transport network

The launch program will have more than 1,200 Sarathis attending from various regions across India. The cooperative-based model demonstrates increasing trust through their participation.

The launch of Bharat Taxi, which creates a fair system, will result in drivers receiving better pay while passengers obtain trustworthy rides, and all advantages remain within the country.