New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah interacted with drivers associated with Bharat Taxi in Delhi, calling them the real owners of the platform and reiterating the government’s focus on strengthening the cooperative sector.
Shah had launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing service, in the capital on February 5. Designed to directly benefit drivers, the platform follows a cooperative structure where those who work on the ground also share in ownership and profits. During the interaction, Shah spoke with drivers and partners, listening to their concerns and suggestions, and said empowering cooperatives remains a key government priority.
Understanding cooperation ends doubts
Explaining the cooperative philosophy, Shah said, “If you properly understand the thinking and functioning of cooperation, such questions will not arise. Cooperation means working together and earning together. Amul is the biggest example.” He pointed out that the dairy cooperative grew from small contributions made by millions of women and eventually became a large institution.
He added that Amul now does business worth about ₹1.25 lakh crore, showing how collective effort can lead to large-scale success. Shah also suggested that the Cooperation Department publish on its website the names of women who have supplied milk worth more than ₹1 crore to the dairy in a year.
‘You yourself are the owners’
Highlighting how Bharat Taxi differs from conventional ride-hailing companies, Shah said the aim is not to enrich a few owners but to make drivers themselves prosperous. “Here, the owner is none other than you,” he told the drivers.
He explained that drivers can become stakeholders by contributing ₹500. If the platform earns ₹25 crore after three years, 20 percent of the profit will be added to the institution’s capital, while the remaining 80 percent will be distributed based on the kilometres driven by each partner.
“This means you will receive the fixed fare, and since you are the owners, you will also get a share in the profits. However, you will need to remain patient for the first three years,” he said.
Not a private profit model
The minister stressed that Bharat Taxi is not structured like a private company focused only on profit. Instead, it is meant to empower people. He assured drivers that all financial details would remain transparent and shared in advance. “Bharat Taxi will never exploit you,” he said.
Backed by cooperatives, open to all drivers
Shah said the initiative was launched with the support of five major cooperative institutions due to initial capital constraints. As the platform expands, any driver can become an owner by purchasing a ₹500 share. He added that when the board of directors is elected, reserved positions for drivers will be created to protect their interests.
Minimum fare assurance
The union minister also assured drivers that Bharat Taxi will maintain full transparency and that fares will never fall below the fixed base rate. Any additional earnings will be added on top of this minimum fare, ensuring stability for drivers.
BI Bureau
