India is set to revolutionize its transportation sector with the launch of a cooperative taxi service initiative, promising a fairer and more equitable system for drivers. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah revealed this ambitious plan during a recent discussion on the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. The project, based on the principle of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” or “Prosperity through Cooperation,” aims to empower drivers through democratic management and equitable profit distribution.
The cooperative model will include the registration of two-wheelers, rickshaws, taxis, and four-wheelers, with ownership and control vested in the drivers themselves. This innovative system ensures that profits generated by the cooperative society will flow directly to its members, significantly improving their income, working conditions, and overall standard of living. By providing a platform for collective growth, the initiative aims to establish a more inclusive and sustainable economic structure while delivering superior service to consumers.
The cooperative model, a concept where individuals voluntarily join forces to achieve mutual economic goals, has a longstanding history of success in India. From its celebrated dairy industry, exemplified by Amul, to ventures in banking, agriculture, and rural development, India’s cooperatives have demonstrated the power of collective action in fostering inclusive growth. With over 8 million cooperative societies and a membership base of nearly 300 million people across sectors like dairy, fisheries, housing, and consumer services, these organizations have become integral to the nation’s progress.
The new taxi initiative will be governed by cooperative laws, with societies operating within states registered under state legislation, while those spanning multiple states will comply with the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act. This approach ensures both legal accountability and operational efficiency.
India has a strong legacy of supporting startups and enterprises aimed at equitable development. By applying this ethos to the taxi sector, the government envisions a transportation ecosystem that benefits drivers and consumers alike. The cooperative taxi service aligns with India’s broader goals of self-reliance, financial inclusion, and rural development, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions for economic empowerment.
The forthcoming cooperative taxi service embodies India’s vision for a more equitable and prosperous future, leveraging the strength of collective action to transform lives. As the nation continues to explore innovative models of development, this initiative is poised to set a global benchmark in fostering inclusive growth through cooperation.
