Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday announced that the government plans to introduce ‘Sahkar Taxi,’ a cooperative-based ride-hailing service modelled on Uber and Ola.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a debate, Shah said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “sahkar se samriddhi” or prosperity through cooperation.
He emphasised that the cooperative society’s profits would benefit drivers directly, rather than private businessmen.
The platform will offer ride-hailing services using two-wheelers, autorickshaws, and four-wheelers. Shah highlighted that the initiative would provide drivers with better financial opportunities through cooperative management.
A similar service was previously introduced in June 2022 by the National Tourism and Transport Cooperative Federation, an apex cooperative body under the Central government.
The announcement comes as major ride-hailing companies face criticism from both drivers and consumers over pricing practices. On Monday, cab drivers in Hyderabad initiated a ‘No AC’ campaign to protest against the low fares offered by companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) called for a uniform fare system to cover fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and ensure fair driver compensation.
Additionally, the Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently issued notices to Ola and Uber following allegations of differential pricing for identical rides based on users’ mobile operating systems, such as Android or iOS. Both companies have denied these allegations.
The government’s cooperative taxi service aims to address these issues by providing a transparent and fair platform for drivers while offering reliable transport options to consumers.
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