Full Breakdown
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak Promotes E-Rickshaw Driving as Youth Employment Option
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Deputy Chief Minister Urges Young People to Drive E-Rickshaws
On September 23, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak addressed a gathering at the launch of the Bharat Taxi service in Lucknow. Pathak outlined a flexible schedule: taking rides near home around 2 p.m., breaking for a family meal, then resuming work until as late as 10 p.m.
Background & Context
The remarks came shortly after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath fulfilled a promise to create 1 lakh jobs within six months by handing appointment letters to over 3,000 candidates. The government presented Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-led ride-hailing platform operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, as a self-employment avenue intended to provide drivers with social security and greater dignity. Unlike conventional ride-hailing services, the cooperative model makes drivers members and stakeholders.
Timeline
- September 23, 2026 – Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially launched the Bharat Taxi service in Uttar Pradesh.
- September 23, 2026 – Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak delivered his remarks encouraging youth to consider e-rickshaw or taxi driving as a flexible livelihood option.
Data & Statistics
- 1 lakh jobs – the state’s target for new employment within six months.
- Over 3,000 appointment letters – issued to candidates as part of the job-creation drive.
- Four-hour shift – Pathak’s suggested daily driving time to balance earnings and family life.
- 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. – example window for drivers to schedule rides and family breaks.
Official Statements & Responses
The Uttar Pradesh government described Bharat Taxi as a platform that offers drivers “social security and greater dignity” in their profession. He concluded with the Hindi proverb “Paradhin sapnehu sukh nahi,” meaning there is no happiness in dependence on others.
Criticism & Opposition
Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj condemned the advice, arguing that youth should be encouraged to “lead the country” rather than be steered toward rickshaw driving. He posted on social media:
- “Today's youth will run the country. If you have a passion for driving a rickshaw, I can send you one as a gift, honourable deputy chief minister.” — Pushpendra Saroj
Other social-media users questioned whether the suggestion addressed the broader aspirations of job-seeking youth and pointed out the perceived disconnect between political privilege and the promotion of low-skill self-employment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today’s youth will run the country. If you have a passion for driving a rickshaw, I can send you one as a gift, honourable deputy chief minister.” — Pushpendra Saroj
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently report the date of the launch and Pathak’s remarks as September 23, 2026. No contradictory figures or timelines appear in the available coverage. However, the articles do not provide data on actual driver enrollment numbers following the launch, leaving the immediate impact of the initiative unquantified.