As Ecommerce Players Get Ready To Resume, States Allow Deliveries From April 20

While the government had imposed severe restrictions on ecommerce in the first phase of the lockdown, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has now permitted the delivery of non-essentials after April 20.

In response to MHA’s response, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have now issued notifications to enable ecommerce delivery of both essential and non-essential items after  April 20.

Meanwhile, Karnataka, Telangana and Haryana are also finalising their decision to allow the delivery of non-essential goods, according to an ET report. All these states are looking forward to meeting the surged demand for products used to enable work and education from home.

Earlier this week, the government gave allowance to ecommerce players to run their operations fully. However, the Centre maintained that state authorities will give the final approvals on which areas can be services at the moment to ensure compliance with rules of social distancing. Currently, no state government has allowed any ecommerce delivery in Covid-19 hotpots or containment zones within their respective states.

After a meeting with government officials, ecommerce executives said that they were assured about government’s stance on the reinstatement of ecommerce operations. They said that the government has realised that consumers also need products like laptops, tablets, smartphones, Wi-Fi routers and printers.

Therefore, governments are now coming up with clearer instructions. For instance, the Maharashtra government said that ecommerce delivery of all goods and commodities including food, pharmaceutical, medical equipment, electrical and electronic appliances is exempted from the lockdown after April 20.

Some governments have also laid certain rules for ecommerce players to ensure hygiene practices are followed, ensuring safe deliveries. For example, the Rajasthan government has said that delivery persons should adhere to safety protocols like mask, gloves and sanitisers before going on to the field.

How Ecommerce Players Are Prepping To Resume?

After the government’s announcement, ecommerce players have started their preparations to get deliveries back on track. Currently, Amazon India is focusing on supporting the immediate need of consumers. The US-based ecommerce major is also working closely with partner brands, manufacturers, sellers, small businesses and local shops.

Walmart-owned Flipkart is said that it will serve consumers while promoting social distancing through a sanitised supply chain. Flipkart will do so by enabling contactless deliveries and safe last-mile delivery processes. The company is working with sellers, small businesses and artisans to make products available for consumers.

Also, Paytm Mall has notified that brands and merchant partners to be ready as it wants to go live with all categories. Senior VP Srinivas Mothey said there is going to be a massive demand for electronics, mobile phones and accessories.