Electronic items to be available on e-commerce sites from Apr 20
PTI, Apr 16, 2020, 3:02 PM IST
New Delhi: Mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, laptops and stationery items will be allowed to be sold through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal from April 20 during the lockdown, officials said on Thursday.
The clarification from a senior home ministry official came a day after Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued revised guidelines for the extended lockdown period till May 3.
Electronic items like mobile phones, TVs, laptops will be available on the e-commerce platforms from April 20, the official said.
However, the delivery vans of the e-commerce companies will need permission from authorities for plying on the roads.
According to Wednesday’s guidelines, commercial and private establishments were allowed to operate during the extended lockdown.
“Vehicles used by e-commerce operators will be allowed to ply with necessary permissions,” the ministry said.
The previous notifications of the home ministry had specifically said that e-commerce platforms are allowed to sell only essential goods like food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
The guidelines released on Wednesday did not classify essential and non-essential items.
The move is being viewed as an attempt by the government to revive the industrial and commercial activities which have been stalled due to the lockdown since March 25.
A large number of people are engaged in the logistics and delivery works of such e-commerce platforms.
By opening the sector, the government is trying to protect the interests of this large segment of employees.
The guidelines also said: “All facilities in the supply chain of essential goods, whether involved in manufacturing, wholesale or retail of such goods through local stores, large brick and mortar stores or e-commerce companies should be allowed to operate, ensuring strict social distancing without any restriction on their timing of opening and closure.”
The government has also allowed movement of all trucks and other goods/ carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper subject to the driver carrying a valid driving license.
An empty truck or vehicle will be allowed to ply after the delivery of goods, or for pick up of goods.
Shops for truck repairs and ‘dhabas’ (eateries) on highways, with a stipulated minimum distance as prescribed by the state and union territory authorities will be allowed to operate.
The lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to combat the coronavirus endemic.
While extending the lockdown till May 3, the Prime Minister on Tuesday also declared that select necessary activities will be allowed to be opened up from April 20 in identified areas of the country.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Kidnapped for ransom in 1998, 26/11 survivor Gautam Adani faces biggest trial
Gautam Adani charged in US with USD 250 mn bribery, fraud
India’s GDP growth likely to slip at 6.5 pc, maintains 7 pc estimate for FY25: Icra
RBI cautions public about ‘deepfake’ video of governor being circulated on social media
We disagree with decision, plan to appeal: Meta on CCI imposing Rs 213-cr penalty
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Siddaramaiah says confident of winning all three bypolls in Karnataka
Hop on! IT Minister Priyank Kharge checks out Uber Shuttle at Bengaluru Tech Summit
Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’
Kidnapped for ransom in 1998, 26/11 survivor Gautam Adani faces biggest trial
AIMPLB to hold its annual general sessions in Bengaluru from November 23
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.