Lockdown 2.0: Supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce banned

April 20: The government on Sunday announced that the supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies will remain prohibited during the coronavirus lockdown. In his capacity as Chairperson, National Executive Committee, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued the order for strict implementation by other ministries and departments.

The order also clarified that e-commerce companies supplying essential goods would continue to be exempted from lockdown restrictions. However, operation of vehicles delivering these goods will be subject to clearance by the administration of the states and union territories.

#IndiaFightsCorona
Supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies to remain prohibited during #Lockdown2 to fight #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/6Jdvuzw6VJ

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) April 19, 2020

“In continuation of Ministry of Home Affairs order no. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated April 15, 2020 and April 16, 2020 and in exercise of the powers, conferred under Section 10(2)(I) of the Disaster Management Act, the undersigned, in his capacity as chairperson, National Executive Committee, hereby orders to exclude the following from the consolidated revised guidelines for strict implementation by ministries/ departments of government of India, state and union territories (UTs): supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies to remain prohibited during lockdown,” the government said in its order.

The government had earlier allowed the sale of mobile phones, refrigerators, clothes, television sets and laptops through e-commerce platforms. However, the decision had invited criticism from the Confederation of Indian Traders (CAIT) which called it ‘unjust’.