Gandhinagar, June 27 (JKNS): Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday launched the cooperative-based mobility platform Bharat Taxi in Gujarat, describing it as a landmark initiative to empower drivers as shareholders, end exploitation in the app-based transport sector and realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” through the mobility ecosystem.
As per news agency JKNS, HM Shah launched the cooperative-based mobility platform ‘Bharat Taxi’ for Gujarat at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Bharat Taxi aims to connect Sarathis engaged in taxi, auto and two-wheeler mobility services with ownership stake, respect, security and prosperity, while providing citizens with reliable and service-oriented transport facilities.
The programme was attended by Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of Cooperation, Gujarat, Jitubhai Vaghani, Minister of State for Cooperation, Gujarat, Rameshbhai Katara, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Chief Secretary of Gujarat Manoj Das, Chairman of Bharat Taxi Dr. Jayen Mehta, along with senior representatives from the cooperative sector, officials and a large number of Sarathis.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that today is a very important day for India’s mobility sector. He said that with the development of the country, the need for taxi and transport services has reached every household.
The concept of taxi is no longer limited to four-wheelers; two-wheelers, autos and other urban transport services have also become part of it. The launch of ‘Bharat Taxi’ in Gujarat is a step towards giving a new direction to this wider mobility requirement through cooperation.
Amit Shah said that other companies consider those who drive vehicles as drivers, but Bharat Taxi considers them ‘Sarathis’. He said this is not merely a difference of words, but a difference of the entire approach. A ‘Sarathi’ is not merely a service provider, but a respected partner and ‘owner’ of this cooperative institution. The core objective of Bharat Taxi is to prevent the exploitation of both Sarathis and customers, improve the quality of service and establish a fair system in the mobility sector.
The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that over the past few years, several complaints had emerged regarding app-based taxi services, in some cases, excessive commission was deducted from the earnings of Sarathis; in some cases, payments did not reach them on time; and in some cases, registrations were cancelled without giving them a hearing.
He said that not every problem can be solved by passing legislation; many times, the right institutional model provides a permanent solution. It was with this thinking that Bharat Taxi was conceptualised on the cooperative model.
Shri Amit Shah said that cooperation has ended exploitation and given rights and prosperity to people in many sectors of the country.
Giving the example of Amul, he said that a rural woman cattle-rearer who joined the cooperative system with a share of just ₹100 is today a stakeholder in a trusted food brand with a turnover of ₹1.25 lakh crore. Amul has proved that a vast economic system can be built through cooperation, without middlemen, without exploitation and with complete transparency. This model ended exploitation in the dairy sector and ensured that the hard-earned income of women cattle-rearers reached their bank accoun…
