Maharashtra’s long-awaited aggregator policy for app-based taxis, rickshaws, and e-bike services will be rolled out in the next two days, with a focus on protecting the rights of passengers and drivers, announced Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday.
Speaking at a meeting with the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) at Mantralaya, Sarnaik said app-based mobility platforms must not prioritise profit over fairness.
“In the race to earn more, companies must not exploit drivers or overcharge passengers. Their needs should remain central,” he said.
The policy will mandate reasonable fare structures and ensure drivers receive at least 80 per cent of earnings, the minister added. It comes in response to growing complaints from users and drivers about exploitative practices by some service providers.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Transport Madhuri Misal, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, Joint Secretary (Transport) Kiran Holkar, and IFAT President Prashant Savardekar.
Once implemented, the new policy will place all app-based taxi and bike services under a single regulatory framework, ensuring better oversight and accountability. The state government also aims to boost employment opportunities for youth through the policy while improving overall service quality and safeguarding worker rights.
`Maharashtra government likely to take positive decision on demands made by ST workers`
The Maharashtra government is positive about addressing the demands raised by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) workers, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Monday.
Speaking at a meeting with ST workers’ unions at Mantralaya, Sarnaik said the demands of the staff are “justified” and assured that a decision will be taken over them after discussions with Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
The meeting was attended by MSRTC Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar, Joint Secretary Rajendra Holkar, and representatives from various unions, including Sandeep Shinde, Sameer More, Shrirang Barge, Hanumant Tate, Prakash Nimbalkar, Mukesh Tigote, and Pradeep Dhurandhar.
Sarnaik said the government is likely to take a positive decision on pending issues such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and other arrears, as well as the Diwali festival advance. He noted that these dues, pending since 2018, amount to around Rs 4,400 crore.
