Commuters urge probe into Namma Yatri over ‘advance tipping’ practice
Bengaluru: As the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) probes ride-hailing platforms Ola and Rapido over alleged unfair trade practices linked to their ‘advance tipping’ feature, Bengaluru commuters are calling for the investigation to extend to other platforms, particularly the homegrown Namma Yatri app.
Users allege that Namma Yatri was among the first to introduce the practice in the city and continues to prompt passengers to add tips during peak hours to secure rides. The feature, they say, often feels less like a voluntary gesture and more like a necessity to access services.
On May 21, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had directed the CCPA to issue a notice to Uber for its use of advance tipping, where riders are encouraged to tip drivers during the booking process, rather than after the ride. A day later, he confirmed that Ola and Rapido would also be issued similar notices. “These tactics are deeply concerning and qualify as unfair trade practices,” Mr. Joshi said.
According to a report published by The Hindu, frequent users in Bengaluru allege that Namma Yatri has made ride confirmation difficult without tipping. “Sometimes, the app refuses to find a ride unless you add a tip. This defeats the purpose of a voluntary contribution,” said Bhuvan Rao, a resident of Jalahalli.
Another commuter from JP Nagar said she had multiple instances where rides were confirmed only after adding a ₹20 tip. “It feels like we’re being manipulated into tipping just to get basic service,” she said.
Sharing a similar experience while booking a ride for his elderly mother, Ravi Prakash from Indiranagar said “Even after adding a ₹50 tip, we had to wait. There’s no transparency on whether the tip actually goes to the driver.”
Interestingly, following the Centre’s scrutiny of other apps, Namma Yatri modified its in-app prompt from ‘Add a tip’ to ‘Add more (voluntary) to find a ride.’ However, users claim the change is only cosmetic, with the underlying pressure unchanged.
Drivers too say they remain unaware of tip amounts. “We don’t see a breakdown. If the customer pays a tip, we don’t know. As far as we’re concerned, it’s not reaching us,” said Puneeth Kumar, an auto driver from Rajajinagar.
In response, Namma Yatri COO Shan M. S. said the app’s ‘Add More’ feature is voluntary and part of a transparent, community-driven model. “Namma Yatri takes no commission and has no stake in the final fare. The optional feature helps recognise drivers’ extra efforts during long waits or peak hours,” he said. The company also stated that no formal complaints had been received regarding the feature.
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Karnataka govt to strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy, after HC directive
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has said that the government will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy across all sectors at the earliest, following the High Court directive.
The High Court of Karnataka had recently directed the state government to "strictly and faithfully" implement the menstrual leave policy, pending formal enactment of the proposed legislation.
"I welcome the directive issued by the Karnataka High Court in support of our state government's ambitious menstrual leave policy," Lad said.
The state government has taken firm steps to implement the menstrual leave policy comprehensively, and as a model to the country, he said in a post on 'X' on Thursday.
"In line with the court's opinion that menstrual leave is a matter of women's dignity, justice, and humane recognition of their lived realities, we will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy--equivalent to one day per month, or 12 days per year--across all sectors at the earliest," he added.
The court had said that in the interregnum, it shall be incumbent upon the state to ensure effective operationalisation of the policy through the issuance of suitable guidelines, circulars, and administrative instructions, as may be necessary to secure its uniform, consistent, and rigorous implementation across all sectors.
The court issued the directive while hearing on a petition filed by 41-year-old Chandravva Hanumant Gokavi, who works in a hotel in Mudalgi of Gokak taluk in Belagavi district, before the Dharwad bench, seeking implementation of the November 20, 2025, order of the government providing one-day menstrual leave for all working women.
