Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined the rules of Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing service. He emphasized that drivers, called Saarthis, are stakeholders with ownership rights. With an 80-20 profit-sharing model and a ₹500 onboarding fee, the initiative aims to empower drivers and make them financially prosperous.
Launched on February 5, 2026, in Delhi, Bharat Taxi is positioned as a government-backed alternative to private aggregators. At a recent event, Amit Shah interacted with drivers, assuring them that the platform’s goal is not profit maximization but driver empowerment.
Shah explained that drivers will contribute a ₹500 onboarding fee, making them shareholders in the cooperative. Unlike private ride-hailing companies, Bharat Taxi will follow an 80-20 profit model, where 80% of earnings go directly to drivers. He urged Saarthis to remain patient during the initial three years as the platform scales up.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen the cooperative sector, ensuring that those who toil receive the profits rather than external investors.
Major Takeaways
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Bharat Taxi launched as India’s first cooperative ride-hailing app
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Drivers (Saarthis) pay ₹500 onboarding fee to become stakeholders
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80-20 profit-sharing model ensures majority earnings go to drivers
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Amit Shah emphasized driver empowerment over corporate profit
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Platform expected to stabilize within three years of launch
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Initiative aligns with government’s cooperative sector strengthening agenda
Conclusion
By positioning drivers as owners and beneficiaries, Bharat Taxi represents a paradigm shift in India’s ride-hailing industry. Amit Shah’s vision highlights a cooperative model that prioritizes wealth creation for drivers, offering a sustainable alternative to private aggregators.
Sources: News18, The Economic Times, Fortune India