Government makes U-turn on delivery of non-essentials by e-commerce companies.

Ministry of Home Affairs of India, on Sunday, did completely U turn on its order to allow e-commerce companies to deliver non-essential goods from 20th April. The e-commerce companies though can deliver essential goods like groceries and hygiene products prescribed as per Clause 13 of the guidelines.

The Home Ministry said that the lockdown situation was “extremely dynamic” and the decision to allow non-essential goods through e-commerce was withdrawn after it was felt that the list of goods was extensive and may impact the curbs imposed to fight Covid-19.

Addressing a press conference, MHA Joint Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the situation was “extremely dynamic” and decisions are being reviewed “almost on a daily basis”.

“As you realise, some restrictions are necessary in our campaign against coronavirus. When the list of non-essential goods and overall situation was reviewed, it was felt that the list was pretty extensive. If we permit all goods, it may impact lockdown. Accordingly, the decision was reviewed,” she said.

Though the order was gunned down on the dynamic situation of lockdown, but their is no denying the fact that the decision was also influenced by the objections from local traders, who are not allowed under revised guidelines to open their shops. It was seen discriminatory to allow e-commerce to sell and deliver non-essential products when local traders are banned from doing so. Political party in opposition, Congress has also raised objection for the same.