Amit Shah Engages with ‘Sarathis’, Unveils Cooperative Vision for Bharat Taxi

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: Amit Shah on Monday interacted with the ‘Sarathis’ of Bharat Taxi in the national capital, outlining a cooperative-driven model aimed at transforming drivers into stakeholders and profit-sharing partners.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the essence of cooperation lies in ensuring that those who labour also share in the profits. He stressed that Bharat Taxi is not merely a taxi service but a movement designed to give drivers ownership, dignity and financial security. “The Sarathi is the real owner,” he said, adding that drivers will have a direct stake in the company’s earnings.

Profit-Sharing and Ownership Model

Shah announced that 20 per cent of Bharat Taxi’s total earnings will be retained as capital for expansion, while 80 per cent will be credited back to Sarathis based on kilometres driven. After the initial three-year expansion phase, profits generated will follow the same 20:80 distribution formula.

Drivers can become partners by purchasing shares worth ₹500, thereby gaining ownership rights. Representatives of Sarathis will also have reserved seats on the Board of Directors, ensuring their participation in policy decisions and governance.

National Expansion Plan

The Minister said that within three years, Bharat Taxi aims to establish its presence in every municipal corporation across the country. The initiative has been formed by bringing together five major cooperatives and seeks to create a structured, welfare-oriented alternative to private taxi aggregators.

Transparent and Welfare-Focused Operations

Emphasizing transparency, Shah stated that all operational and financial information will be shared with Sarathis through app-based notifications, positioning Bharat Taxi as one of the most transparent cab services globally. A complaint redressal window will also be created on the website, enabling drivers to log grievances and suggest policy improvements.

He further explained that the platform will operate on a scientifically determined base kilometre rate that factors in vehicle cost, fuel consumption and minimum profit margins, ensuring services do not run below a viable threshold.

Empowering Women Through ‘Sarathi Didi’

Highlighting gender inclusion, Shah announced the ‘Sarathi Didi’ feature, which will prioritise women drivers for solo female passengers, enhancing both safety and economic empowerment. The initiative aims to encourage more women to join the sector as independent earners.

Cooperative Banking and Loan Support

Bharat Taxi will facilitate access to easy loans through cooperative banks, including mortgage-based financing options for vehicles. Insurance coverage and other welfare benefits will also be extended, making it the first cooperative taxi service to offer such comprehensive support.

Taking a swipe at private aggregators, Shah said recent commission reductions and passenger discounts by other companies reflect the impact of Bharat Taxi’s emergence rather than a genuine concern for drivers’ welfare.

He urged drivers to take pride in calling themselves ‘Sarathis’, saying the term should become synonymous with dignity and self-respect. Continuous dialogue through online platforms, call centres and physical meetings will remain integral to the initiative’s functioning.

Describing Bharat Taxi as a major cooperative movement, Shah expressed confidence that the model would address long-standing challenges in the taxi sector while ensuring both customer satisfaction and driver welfare.