App taxi drivers get three months to submit papers for welfare board benefits

Companies operating app-based taxis in Maharashtra will now have to submit complete details of their drivers to the transport department. This information must be filed within the next three months. The directive was given by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik at a review meeting called to ensure proper implementation of the Maharashtra Aggregator Policy 2026.

According to Minister Sarnaik, with passenger safety as the top priority, drivers' identity, place of residence, domicile certificate and other necessary documents will now be closely scrutinised. Drivers whose papers are found to be in order will be given membership of the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Maharashtra Auto Rickshaw and Taxi Driver-Owner Welfare Board.

The meeting was held at Minister Sarnaik's office in the ministry, chaired by him. It was attended by Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, concerned transport department officials, and regional transport officers who joined by video conferencing. Representatives of app-based taxi companies including Bharat Taxi, Rapido, Uber, Ola, Shalini Cab and CityFlo were also present.

Minister Sarnaik said that drivers working for app-based taxi companies should get the benefit of various social security and welfare schemes through the welfare board. He also directed that necessary action be taken to ensure that these schemes reach drivers and their families.

Keeping passenger safety in view, verification of app-based taxi drivers' identity, residence and documents has been deemed necessary. Drivers will be required to submit their domicile certificate and other necessary papers for this purpose. In addition, drivers must have a working knowledge of the Marathi language, only after which the transport department will issue them a badge. Drivers found eligible will be given welfare board membership, extending the benefit of all the board's schemes to their families as well, Minister Pratap Sarnaik said.

Minister Sarnaik also said that under the aggregator policy, along with providing drivers the necessary facilities, passenger safety should be treated as the top priority. To prevent accidents and crime, he also directed strict verification of drivers' applications, identity cards and other necessary documents.

App-based taxi companies have been given three months to collect and submit complete details of their drivers to the transport department. Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed that drivers' full details, domicile certificates and necessary papers be submitted within this period.