In a transformative move aimed at empowering taxi drivers and promoting cooperative entrepreneurship, Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited has been officially registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act this month, with its area of operations covering Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Promoted by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Sahakar Taxi is backed by seven of India’s leading cooperative institutions, Amul, NAFED, NABARD, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NDDB, and National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL).
The cooperative will operate on the technological lines of platforms like Uber and Ola, but with a key difference, it will be owned and governed by its members, primarily taxi drivers themselves.
These institutions have joined forces under the principle of “Cooperation among Cooperatives” to build a sustainable, inclusive, and democratic model in the transport sector.
An interim board has been formed to oversee the initial operations. Rohit Gupta, Deputy Managing Director of NCDC, is serving as the Chairman of the board. Other key members include V. Sridhar (NDDB), Tarun Handa (NAFED), Naveen Kumar (NABARD), Santosh Shukla (IFFCO), and L.P. Godwin (KRIBHCO), among others.
The cooperative has an authorized share capital of Rs 300 crore, with Rs 80 crore already committed by the eight promoting cooperatives. Each has pledged Rs 10 crore to support the foundation of this unique initiative. The operational launch is expected within the next six months, as software and digital infrastructure development is already underway.
What makes Sahakar Taxi unique is its cooperative structure, where taxi drivers will be direct members and co-owners. This model allows for equitable profit sharing, democratic governance, and ensures that the benefits of the platform flow directly to those who run it.
The initiative is currently focusing on onboarding drivers from Gujarat and Maharashtra, with plans to expand nationwide.
The cooperative is also exploring collaboration with leading educational institutions like IIIT Bangalore for technological development, operational systems, and digital integration to match industry standards.
The idea of Sahakar Taxi was first proposed by Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who emphasized the need for a cooperative taxi service that would allow the registration of two-wheelers, rickshaws, taxis, and four-wheelers under one platform. Importantly, he envisioned that profits would go directly to the drivers, enhancing their income and quality of life.
Functioning on the mantra of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited is expected to significantly improve the working conditions, income, and living standards of taxi drivers, while delivering affordable, efficient, and reliable transport services to Indian consumers.
With this groundbreaking initiative, India is set to witness a new era in public transportation, one that is technology-driven, inclusive, and rooted in cooperative values.
NABARD is not a cooperative institution. Rather it is DFI
Great initiative. Just ensure technological standards at par with Ola/ Uber. Ease of access, and user-friendly interface is also to be ensured.
Wonderful concept.
Rebirth is given to co operative movement.it can be extended to agri ,diary,fishery and other service sector too
Very good
Hi
It’s a good initiative and help for co-operative movement. It should be user friendly and easy to access in comparison of other taxi app. It will help in increasing income and living standard of taxi drivers.
Hope it will operate without hurdles.