Bharat Taxi App Launch

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Bharat Taxi App Launch: A Revolution in India’s Gig Economy & Cooperative Sector

In the rapidly evolving landscape of daily current affairs, few developments hold as much potential for socio-economic transformation as the intersection of digital technology and cooperative federalism. On 6 February 2026, the Union Government made a landmark intervention in the gig economy by launching ‘Bharat Taxi’, India’s first government-backed ride-hailing platform operating on a cooperative model.

For aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams, this news is not just a headline—it is a critical topic covering General Studies Paper II (Polity & Governance) and General Studies Paper III (Economy). Understanding the nuances of this launch is essential for answering dynamic current affairs mcq and essay questions regarding the welfare of gig workers. This deep-dive article explores the structural shift ‘Bharat Taxi’ represents, its constitutional backing, and why it is a potential game-changer for India’s service sector.

(For a complete summary of all top events from today, refer to our Daily Current Affairs 6 Feb 2026 Pillar Post.)

What Is the News? (In Brief)

On 6 February 2026, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah officially inaugurated the ‘Bharat Taxi’ application in New Delhi. The launch marks the central government’s direct entry into the ride-hailing market, currently dominated by private aggregators like Ola and Uber.

The platform is unique because it is not owned by a private corporate entity but is structured as a Multi-State Cooperative Society. Under the slogan “Sarathi hi Malik” (Driver is the Owner), the initiative aims to transfer ownership stakes directly to the drivers. This move comes after years of protests by gig workers regarding high commission rates (often touching 30%) and arbitrary de-platforming by private giants.

The app has been developed in collaboration with the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) and is integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to ensure market penetrability. While the pilot phase has commenced in Metro cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, a nationwide rollout is planned within the next six months.

Background & Static GK Linkage

To master this topic for general knowledge (gk) sections, aspirants must understand the historical and constitutional context of cooperatives in India. The ‘Bharat Taxi’ launch is not an isolated event but part of a larger push by the Ministry of Cooperation (created in July 2021) to revitalize the cooperative sector.

1. The Cooperative Movement in India

• Origins: The cooperative movement in India began formally with the Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904.
• Post-Independence: The success of Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited) demonstrated how cooperatives could empower grassroots workers. However, the sector largely remained confined to agriculture and credit societies.
• Modern Shift: ‘Bharat Taxi’ represents a “New Age Cooperative” model, expanding the definition to include service sector workers and digital platforms.

2. Constitutional Provisions (Static GK Goldmine)

• The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act (2011): This is the most critical static linkage.
  • Article 19(1)(c): Made forming cooperative societies a Fundamental Right.
  • Article 43B (DPSP): Directs the State to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, and democratic control of cooperative societies.
  • Part IXB: Added a new part to the Constitution specifically regarding “The Co-operative Societies.”
• Supreme Court Verdict (2021): The SC struck down parts of the 97th Amendment related to state cooperative societies but upheld it for Multi-State Cooperative Societies. Since ‘Bharat Taxi’ will operate across states, it falls under the Centre’s legislative competence.

3. The Gig Economy Context

• NITI Aayog Report: According to recent estimates, India’s gig workforce is expected to expand to 2.35 crore by 2030.
• Code on Social Security (2020): This code recognizes “gig workers” and “platform workers” for the first time, aiming to provide them social security. ‘Bharat Taxi’ is a practical implementation of this vision.

Key Features & Highlights of ‘Bharat Taxi’

The ‘Bharat Taxi’ model differs significantly from existing private players. Here are the specific features that aspirants must memorize for descriptive answers and current affairs mcq options.

• Zero-Commission Model: unlike private aggregators that charge 20–30% commission per ride, Bharat Taxi operates on a fixed, nominal subscription fee or a “Zero Commission” model. This ensures higher take-home pay for drivers.
• Driver Ownership: Drivers are not just partners; they are shareholders. A portion of the platform’s profits will be distributed as dividends to the driver-members annually.
• Social Security Net: The platform includes mandatory insurance coverage (accident and health) for drivers, funded partly by a small “welfare cess” on consumer rides.
• Algorithmic Transparency: One of the biggest grievances against private apps is opaque algorithms. Bharat Taxi promises an open-source algorithm where ride allocation is transparent and audit-able.
• Consumer Benefits: For riders, the app promises “Surge-Free Pricing”. While base fares might be slightly higher than the lowest options on private apps, the absence of predatory surge pricing during peak hours is a major selling point.
• ONDC Integration: The app is built on the ONDC protocol, meaning users can book Bharat Taxi rides through other ONDC-compatible apps (like Paytm or PhonePe) without needing to download a separate app.

Why Is This Important for Competitive Exams?

This topic is a potential goldmine for questions across various stages of examination:

1. For UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IPS)

• Prelims: Questions on the Ministry of Cooperation, the 97th Amendment, and the definition of a Multi-State Cooperative Society.
• Mains (GS Paper 2): “Role of Cooperatives in India’s Development.”
• Mains (GS Paper 3): “Inclusive Growth,” “Gig Economy Challenges,” and “Digital Public Infrastructure.”
• Interview: “Can government-backed tech platforms compete with private efficiency? Discuss with reference to Bharat Taxi.”

2. For Banking & SSC Exams

• Economy/Banking Awareness: The financing model of the app, the involvement of NCUI, and ONDC integration.
• Current Affairs: Name of the app, the launching minister, and the slogan.

3. For State PSCs

• Since the cooperative sector is largely a state subject (except for multi-state societies), questions regarding the conflict between Centre and State jurisdiction over such apps may arise.

Previous Year Questions / Trends

• UPSC Prelims 2014: A question was asked directly about the 97th Constitutional Amendment.
• UPSC Mains 2021: A question was asked about the “Gig Economy” and the social security of platform workers.
• SSC CGL 2022: Questions about the “Ministry of Cooperation” and its first Minister (Amit Shah) have appeared frequently.

Trend Analysis: The examiner often combines a current event (Bharat Taxi launch) with a static concept (Article 43B). Be prepared for statements connecting these two.

Exam-Oriented MCQs (Test Your Knowledge)

Use these questions to test your understanding. For more practice, visit our MCQ Archive Section.

Q1. The newly launched ‘Bharat Taxi’ application operates under which organizational model?

A) Public Private Partnership (PPP)

B) Multi-State Cooperative Society

C) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

D) Statutory Corporation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Bharat Taxi is India’s first government-backed ride-hailing platform operating as a Multi-State Cooperative Society, where drivers are stakeholders.

Q2. Which Constitutional Amendment gave ‘Cooperative Societies’ the status of a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(c)?

A) 73rd Amendment

B) 86th Amendment

C) 97th Amendment

D) 101st Amendment

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act (2011) granted constitutional status and protection to cooperative societies.

Q3. ‘Sarathi hi Malik’ (Driver is the Owner) is the slogan associated with which initiative?

A) PM-eBus Sewa

B) Bharat Taxi

C) Namma Yatri

D) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The slogan emphasizes the cooperative nature of the Bharat Taxi app, where drivers hold ownership stakes.

Q4. The ‘Bharat Taxi’ app is integrated with which digital infrastructure to ensure wider market access?

A) UPI (Unified Payments Interface) only

B) ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce)

C) GeM (Government e-Marketplace)

D) FASTag Network

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The app is integrated with ONDC, allowing users to access the service through multiple buyer apps without platform lock-in.

Q5. Which Article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to promote the formation of cooperative societies?

A) Article 40

B) Article 43B

C) Article 44

D) Article 51A

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Article 43B, added by the 97th Amendment, is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) promoting cooperative societies.

Q6. Who is the Union Minister responsible for the Ministry of Cooperation as of February 2026?

A) Nitin Gadkari

B) Piyush Goyal

C) Amit Shah

D) Rajnath Singh

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Amit Shah holds the portfolio for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the newly created Ministry of Cooperation.

One-Line Facts for Revision

• Launch Date: 6 February 2026.
• Ministry: Ministry of Cooperation (Union Govt).
• Key Slogan: “Sarathi hi Malik”.
• Technology Partner: ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce).
• Primary Benefit: Zero-commission model for drivers; Surge-free pricing for riders.
• Constitutional Link: 97th Amendment Act, 2011 (Part IXB).
• Target Group: Gig workers / Platform workers (Cab and Auto drivers).

Linkage With Daily Current Affairs

The launch of Bharat Taxi was the lead story in today’s news cycle. It connects with other economic updates, such as the inflation data and the gig economy regulations discussed in the Daily Current Affairs Pillar Post. While the Pillar Post gives you the headline, this spoke post ensures you have the depth required to write a 250-word answer in the Mains exam.

Download & Practice Section

To retain this information, we recommend downloading the Current Affairs PDF which includes this article along with today’s other top news. You can also attempt the quiz questions in our dedicated test series section to assess your recall of the daily current affairs.

• Download Today’s Current Affairs PDF
• Attempt Daily GK Quiz

Conclusion

The launch of ‘Bharat Taxi’ is a watershed moment for the Indian gig economy. By leveraging the cooperative model, the government is attempting to solve modern market failures with traditional community-centric solutions. For an exam aspirant, this topic bridges the gap between Economy, Polity, and Technology. Make sure to revise the 97th Amendment and the features of ONDC thoroughly, as they are high-probability topics for the upcoming exam season.

FAQs on Bharat Taxi

1. What is the significance of the Bharat Taxi app in daily current affairs?

It represents the first major government intervention in the gig economy using a cooperative model, making it a critical topic for exams covering economy and polity.

2. How does Bharat Taxi help in preparing for current affairs mcq?

This topic covers multiple dimensions—Ministries, Constitutional Articles (97th Amendment), and Digital Infrastructure (ONDC)—providing material for diverse MCQs.

3. Is Bharat Taxi a private company or a government body?

It is neither. It is a Multi-State Cooperative Society supported by the government, meaning it is owned by its members (the drivers).

4. Where can I find a current affairs pdf covering this topic?

You can download the detailed PDF covering the Bharat Taxi launch and other news from our “Downloads” section linked above.

5. Which Static GK topics are linked to Bharat Taxi?

Key gk topics include the History of Cooperatives in India, the 97th Constitutional Amendment, and Article 43B of the DPSP.

6. Why is the slogan ‘Sarathi hi Malik’ important for general knowledge?

Slogans of major government schemes are frequently asked in SSC and Railway exams. This slogan signifies the ownership model of the app.

7. Can I find quiz questions on Bharat Taxi on this site?

Yes, our “Daily Quiz” section features updated quiz questions based on the latest news, including the Bharat Taxi launch.

8. How is Bharat Taxi different from Ola and Uber?

Unlike private aggregators, Bharat Taxi takes zero commission from drivers and operates on a subscription model, ensuring higher earnings for “Sarathis.”

9. Is this topic relevant for the UPSC Mains exam?

Yes, it is highly relevant for GS Paper 2 (NGOs, SHGs, Cooperatives) and GS Paper 3 (Inclusive Growth, Gig Economy).

10. How often should I revise such daily current affairs topics?

We recommend weekly revision using our current affairs pdf and monthly compilation to ensure high retention for competitive exams.