Taxi Services to Be Operated by Cooperative Societies, Not Government: Amit Shah

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday that a new taxi service, aimed at empowering drivers, will be operated by cooperative societies rather than the government. He clarified that the government will not engage in running the business directly, but will facilitate the formation of cooperatives to handle operations.

As per agency report, Shah elaborated on the plan while speaking at the 'Times Now Summit 2025', stating that the initiative aligns with the principle of "prosperity through cooperation". He explained that interested taxi drivers will come together to form a cooperative society, and a management committee comprising these members will oversee the service. The aim is to ensure that the profits directly benefit the drivers, cutting out intermediaries.

Earlier in the week, while replying to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Tribhuvan Cooperative University Bill, 2025, Shah had hinted at the imminent launch of such a taxi service. He said that the service would include registrations for two-wheelers, taxis, rickshaws, and four-wheelers, and be structured in a way that the earnings go directly to the drivers.

The envisioned cooperative taxi service is expected to function similarly to existing platforms like Uber and Ola, but with a focus on enhancing driver welfare and ownership.