Now Reading: Maharashtra proposes EV mandate, 2% welfare levy for Swiggy, Zomato
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Maharashtra proposes EV mandate, 2% welfare levy for Swiggy, Zomato
Maharashtra’s transport department has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, bringing Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto under a state transport framework for the first time. The draft, sent to the…
The Story in Brief
Maharashtra’s transport department has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, bringing Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto under a state transport framework for the first time. The draft, sent to the State Law and Judiciary Department, would require an EV-only fleet, GPS tracking, insurance, RTA-set fares, and a 2% welfare levy per ride for a driver welfare fund. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed the rules cover all bikes plying for less than 15 km. The definition of “delivery service providers” targets entities that own or operate fleets, but platforms may argue they do not own the vehicles, as seen in the Karnataka gig-workers case. The levy’s base is also unclear, delivery orders have no per-ride “fare”, and the draft is not yet public. Similar electrification mandates in Delhi and Haryana lack a welfare levy, making Maharashtra’s proposal distinctive.
The Indian Opinion
The proposal is being sold as a pro-worker, pro-environment move, but the details are slippery. The 2% levy has no clear base, a fare that delivery orders lack, and the definition of “fleet” may let platforms argue they own nothing but an app. Karnataka’s similar levy is already under constitutional challenge, with the next hearing on August 14. That date will decide whether Maharashtra’s plan stands or falls.
Source: medianama.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
