In sudden move, govt bans e-commerce operations

PTK News Network

Srinagar, Apr 19 (PTK): In a sudden decision, the Centre has banned the operation of e-commerce companies, including supply of essential items.

In its April 15 guidelines, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had said that e-commerce companies would be exempted and their delivery vehicles would be allowed to ply with valid passes.

In a fresh order signed by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Sunday, the MHA has said: “In continuation of Ministry of Home Affairs’ Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-|(A) Dated 15th April, 2020 and 16th April, 2020 and in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 10(2)(l) of the Disaster Management Act, the undersigned, in his capacity as Chairperson, National Executive Committee, hereby orders to exclude” from its consolidated guidelines a Sub-Clause which allowed operation of “E-commerce companies” and said that “vehicles used by e commerce operators will be allowed to ply with necessary permissions”.

While the new order makes no distinction on essential and non-essential items, it appears to suggest that the entire e-commerce operations would be suspended.

However, the MHA spokesperson only tweeted saying that e-commerce platforms would not be allowed to deal in non-essential items. (PTK)