Mobiles, TVs etc to be available on e-commerce platforms starting April 20

Mobile phones, televisions, readymade garments and stationery items will be allowed to be sold on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal during the lockdown from April 20, 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, refrigerators, laptops will be available on e-commerce platforms from April 20, the official told PTI.

Readymade garments and stationery items for school children will also be available on the e-commerce platforms.

"Along with essential commodities like groceries and medicines, non-essential items are also allowed to be sold by the e-commerce companies," another official said.

However, the delivery vans of the e-commerce companies will need permission from authorities to ply on roads.

According to fresh guidelines issued Wednesday, commercial and private establishments are being allowed to operate during the extended lockdown period.

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"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 new guidelines did not classify essential and non-essential items.

The move is being viewed as an attempt by the government to revive 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.

Empty trucks or vehicles will be allowed to ply after deliveries 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.