Maharashtra government on Wednesday stated that the business of e-commerce goods is allowed in the state during the lockdown till May 3. This order has come at a time when there was some confusion across sectors and industries – whether all essential and non-essential e-commerce is exempted.
The state government in an order said, “e-commerce delivery of all goods and commodities including food, pharmaceutical, medical equipment, electrical and electronic appliances is exempted from the extended lockdown till May 3.”
Earlier on Monday, the Odisha government allowed the home delivery of all goods through e-commerce, at the time when the only essential goods were allowed to be delivered nationwide. As per the latest statement from the central government, all e-commerce operations – both essential and non-essential – may be allowed from April 20.
A senior executive from an e-commerce firm said, “We believe that there is going to be a massive demand for electronics and mobile phones and accessories as many of our consumers have been reaching out to us to know when these categories would be live again."
At the time of filing the story, Maharashtra is facing severe challenges against COVID-pandemic with the total number of cases is 3081 – making the first Indian state to cross 3,000. As per the data shared on the Health Ministry website, the coronavirus has so far killed 414 people in the country, with Maharashtra tops the tally with 187 fatalities.