‘Sahkar Taxi’ Set to Rival Ola, Uber: Govt’s Cooperative Model Puts Drivers First
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The Indian government is set to launch Sahkar Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service aimed at providing direct financial benefits to drivers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the initiative in Parliament, positioning it as an alternative to dominant platforms like Ola and Uber.
Backed by the Ministry of Cooperation, Sahkar Taxi will allow cooperative societies to register taxis, rickshaws, two-wheelers, and four-wheelers, removing intermediaries and increasing earnings for drivers. Shah emphasized that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’—prosperity through cooperation.
The announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny of ride-hailing giants over alleged discriminatory pricing. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently issued notices to Ola and Uber after reports revealed fare differences based on users’ devices. While both companies denied the claims, the controversy sparked national debate.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi labeled such practices “unfair” and confirmed that investigations would expand to other digital sectors, including food delivery and online ticketing, to ensure transparency and fairness for consumers.
