Mon Feb 23 17:40:41 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Bharat Taxi Cooperative Launches, Promising Driver-Centric Profit Sharing

The Story:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharat Taxi cooperative cab service in New Delhi on February 23, 2026, promising a minimum base rate per kilometer for drivers and a profit-sharing model that redirects 80% of profits to drivers based on kilometers driven. The remaining 20% is retained as cooperative capital. Mr. Shah emphasized that this model, inspired by the success of Amul, aims to prioritize drivers’ earnings over corporate profits. While the profit redistribution will take at least three years, the initiative seeks to address long-standing grievances regarding existing ride-hailing platforms.

The cooperative structure allows drivers to become co-owners by purchasing a share for ₹500, with reserved seats for driver representatives on the Board of Directors. The app also includes a ‘Saarathi Didi’ feature prioritizing female drivers for women passengers. Bharat Taxi aims to provide robust grievance redressal mechanisms and transparent policy communication to its drivers.

Key Points:

  • Launch Date: Officially launched on February 5, 2026, after a one-month pilot run, and announced on February 23, 2026.
  • Cooperative Model: 80% of profits returned to drivers, 20% retained as cooperative capital.
  • Minimum Base Rate: Guarantees a minimum base rate per kilometer for drivers.
  • Driver Ownership: Drivers can become co-owners with a ₹500 share.
  • Governance: Driver representatives will have seats on the Board of Directors.
  • ‘Saarathi Didi’ Feature: Prioritizes female drivers for women passengers.
  • Grievance System: Three-channel system (online, physical, call center) for drivers’ complaints.
  • Vehicle Loans and Insurance: Loans facilitated through cooperative banks, insurance via IFFCO Tokyo at minimum premiums.
  • Profit Redistribution Timeline: Profit sharing will commence after at least three years.
  • “Saarathi” Designation: Drivers are encouraged to use the term ‘saarathi’ (charioteer).

Critical Analysis:

Omitted as the provided context does not reveal significant patterns or strategic depth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bharat Taxi initiative represents a government-backed attempt to reform the ride-hailing industry by prioritizing drivers’ welfare through a cooperative model.
  • Drawing parallels with the Amul cooperative, the initiative seeks to empower drivers financially and give them a voice in the platform’s governance.
  • The three-year delay in profit redistribution could be a point of contention and requires careful management of drivers’ expectations.
  • The focus on women’s safety and empowerment through the ‘Saarathi Didi’ feature adds a social dimension to the economic initiative.
  • The encouragement to adopt the term “saarathi” (charioteer) attempts to elevate the status and perceived value of drivers.

Impact Analysis:

Omitted as the event series does not have enough historical context to determine a long-term implication.

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