Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has announced the launch of ‘Sahkar’, a new app-based taxi service operating under the cooperative model—giving drivers a stake in the business instead of just being service providers.
Why Now?
- Growing scrutiny of major ride-hailing platforms, Ola and Uber, following allegations of discriminatory pricing
- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently issued notices to both companies after reports surfaced suggesting that ride fares varied based on whether a user was booking via an iPhone or an Android device.
How will ‘Sahkar Taxi’ be different?
- Driver-Owned Model: Unlike Ola/Uber, drivers become stakeholders
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden surge pricing
- Government-Backed: Part of the ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) mission
- Pilot Rollout: Expected to launch in select cities first.
