Amit Shah Says Bharat Taxi Will End Exploitation By Private Cab Platforms

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said Bharat Taxi was established to end the exploitation of taxi operators and passengers by private app-based companies.

Speaking at the Gujarat launch of Bharat Taxi, the Minister said the cooperative platform offers a fair and sustainable alternative by making drivers stakeholders rather than service providers.

Shah said years of complaints from drivers and commuters prompted discussions on finding a lasting solution. He alleged that several app-based companies prioritised profits while exploiting both drivers and customers.

According to Shah, companies often deducted commissions from drivers’ earnings, delayed fare payments and suspended registrations without allowing drivers to present their side. He also claimed that companies cancelled registrations immediately after receiving customer complaints without conducting a proper hearing.

The Home Minister said discussions with drivers and the public convinced him that legislation alone could not eliminate these problems. He said the idea of launching a cooperative taxi platform emerged as a more effective solution to end exploitation.

“We introduced a cooperative taxi service to end exploitation,” HM Shah said.

Drawing comparisons with successful cooperative institutions such as Amul, IFFCO and KRIBHCO, Shah said these organisations have demonstrated that cooperative enterprises can generate economic success while directly benefiting their members.

The Minister said Bharat Taxi aims to prevent the exploitation of both drivers and passengers while ensuring dignity for every Sarathi. He added that drivers should not depend on private applications merely to obtain registrations.

Shah emphasised that Bharat Taxi combines fairness, dignity and ownership within a cooperative framework where drivers themselves become shareholders and partners in the organisation.

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