Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 16: The Maharashtra government is set to launch cooperative taxi services named “Devabhau” and “Chhava” in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with BJP MLC Pravin Darekar claiming the initiative will curb hefty commissions charged by private cab aggregators and ensure greater benefits for drivers and vehicle owners.

Addressing reporters on Monday, Darekar said the proposed service is modelled on the Bharat Taxi initiative operating in cities such as Delhi and Kolkata. He alleged that private platforms like Ola, Uber and Rapido charge excessive commissions, reducing the earnings of drivers.

He said the new cooperative taxi service has received approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has finalised the policy framework.

“In places where private taxi companies charge exorbitant commissions and extract money from drivers, Bharat Taxi has helped curb such practices. Drivers and owners have benefited. On similar lines, Devabhau Taxi and Chhava Taxi services will now be introduced in Mumbai and the MMR region,” Darekar said.

According to him, all rules and regulations for the project have been prepared and registrations are already underway. Between 2,000 and 5,000 vehicles are expected to be inducted in the first phase of the rollout across the MMR region.

Darekar said the initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for Marathi youth, prevent exploitation of drivers and passengers, and offer safe, affordable and accessible transport services.

Under the proposed scheme, taxi operators will be eligible for vehicle purchase loans from Mumbai District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd (Mumbai Bank), of which Darekar is the chairman. Loans will carry an interest rate of 10 per cent.

The scheme also proposes an 11 per cent interest reimbursement subsidy through agencies including the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation, OBC Corporation, Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes Corporation, and the Maharashtra State Development Corporation, effectively reducing the financial burden on beneficiaries.

Promoted under the slogan “Apali Taxi, Apali Malaki” (Our Taxi, Our Ownership), the project will allow drivers to retain ownership of their vehicles. Individuals possessing valid driving licences and existing vehicle owners will be eligible to participate.

However, the announcement has triggered criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Congress, who questioned the use of Mumbai Bank funds and the political branding of the scheme.

Damania, in a post on social media platform X, questioned whether depositors’ money was being used to finance a politically branded venture.

“‘Devabhau Taxi’? As many as 2,000 taxis will be provided? And using the money of Mumbai Bank depositors?” she asked.

She further questioned whether Mumbai Bank was being treated as a “private bank of the BJP”, arguing that ordinary citizens, farmers and small entrepreneurs often struggle to obtain loans.

“Using depositors’ money to build a business carrying a political name is completely unacceptable. This name should be cancelled immediately and Fadnavis should withdraw it on his own,” Damania said.

She also demanded that authorities disclose details regarding eligibility criteria, loan approval procedures, interest rates and possible conflicts of interest.

Joining the criticism, Maharashtra Congress general secretary Dhananjay Shinde said the concerns raised were serious and warranted clarification.

“Mumbai Bank belongs to depositors, farmers and working people. It is not the private property of any political party or leader,” he said.

Shinde claimed that previous audit reports had recorded observations regarding certain transactions and administrative procedures within the bank and called for greater transparency in the proposed scheme.

He demanded that Mumbai Bank publicly disclose the complete financial blueprint of the taxi project, beneficiary selection criteria, loan approval process and whether depositors’ funds were being linked to political branding.

“The cooperative sector is built on public trust. Any matter that creates suspicion must be subjected to an independent, impartial and transparent inquiry,” he added.