Union HM Amit Shah unveils "Sahkar": An app-based taxi service to rival Ola and Uber
New Delhi: In a significant announcement during a parliamentary session, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah revealed the government’s plan to launch a new ride-hailing platform named ‘Sahkar’, which will operate on a cooperative model.
The initiative, designed to compete with established private platforms like Ola and Uber, aims to empower drivers by making them stakeholders rather than mere service providers, reported The Hindu.
The announcement was made during the discussion on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which also includes the proposal to establish a National Cooperative University. Shah emphasised that this is not a mere slogan and highlighted the Ministry of Cooperation’s consistent efforts over the past three and a half years to bring this concept to fruition.
He noted that the cooperative taxi platform is expected to be rolled out within a few months and will ensure that profits go directly to the drivers.
The ‘Sahkar’ initiative is part of the broader mission titled ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation), which focuses on leveraging the cooperative model for inclusive growth. The platform represents a shift towards community-driven digital innovation and seeks to redefine entrepreneurship by placing economic power in the hands of the workforce.
This move comes at a time when companies like Ola and Uber are under increasing scrutiny from both the public and regulatory bodies. Concerns have recently been raised regarding the transparency of their pricing algorithms, especially after it was found that fares sometimes varied based on whether a booking was made via an Android or iPhone device. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to both companies, highlighting the need for algorithmic transparency and fair pricing practices.
By launching ‘Sahkar’, the government hopes to address these issues through a platform that ensures transparent pricing, democratic control, and equitable profit distribution. The cooperative structure is expected to provide drivers with direct benefits, eliminating the large commissions typically taken by corporate ride-hailing companies.
Alongside the ride-hailing platform, Amit Shah also introduced plans for a National Cooperative University. This institution will offer various educational programs such as diplomas, certificates, and degrees focused on cooperative management and development. Shah underscored the importance of this initiative in preparing future leaders for the cooperative sector, which has played a vital role in uplifting farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs across the country.