DRIVERS UNDER BHARAT TAXI

Why in news

Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-led digital App mobility platform, has been officially launched in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, with a significant number of driver-partners onboarded nationwide.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3, GS1 · Governance, Economy, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Bharat Taxi is a cooperative-led digital App mobility platform.
2. It is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), a multistate cooperative society.
3. The platform has been officially launched in the cities of Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
4. As on 19th July, 2026, the total number of driver-partners (Sarathis) onboarded nationwide is 7.97 lakh.
5. The platform operates on a zero-commission model, meaning no commission is deducted from the fare earned by a Sarathi for rides booked through the platform.
6. A nominal ride subscription/platform usage fee is charged separately from Sarathis to cover technology, application maintenance, and expansion costs.
7. The fare payable to the Sarathi is not affected by this separate subscription fee.
8. Expansion to other cities and States is subject to operational requirements, necessary approvals, operational preparedness, availability of Sarathis, completion of statutory requirements, and coordination with concerned State Governments, cooperative institutions, and other stakeholders.

Prelims pointers

• Bharat Taxi is a digital App mobility platform.
• It is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL).
• STCL is a multistate cooperative society.
• Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission model.
• It charges a nominal ride subscription/platform usage fee from Sarathis.
• Driver-partners on the platform are referred to as Sarathis.
• The platform has been launched in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Mains practice question

Examine the potential of the cooperative model, as exemplified by platforms like Bharat Taxi, in addressing the challenges faced by workers in the gig economy. Discuss its implications for fair wages and employment generation in India.

Static linkage

This initiative links to the broader concept of the cooperative movement in India, aiming to empower individuals through collective action. It also relates to the evolving digital economy and the gig economy, offering an alternative model for service delivery and employment generation in the urban mobility sector.

Significance

The launch of Bharat Taxi signifies a move towards a cooperative model in the digital mobility sector, potentially empowering driver-partners by eliminating commissions and ensuring better earnings. This zero-commission approach could set a new precedent in the ride-hailing industry, promoting fair practices and driver welfare. Furthermore, as a multistate cooperative society, it demonstrates the potential for cooperative institutions to leverage digital platforms for large-scale service delivery and employment generation, contributing to inclusive economic growth and the digital India initiative.