Full Opening Of B2C Services Via e-Commerce First Step To Normalcy: IAMAI

IAMAI has said that full opening of B2C services, in both products and services categories via e-commerce platforms is the first and most important step to return to normal economic activity. Normal economic activity according to the association broadly comprises the opening of manufacturing and services on one end and their availability to consumers on the other leading to people returning to livelihood albeit following health and hygiene guidelines to prevent the spread of corona virus.

The association suggested that e-tail, in particular, has a special role to play at this time of crisis. E-commerce services presently can facilitate delivery from producers/ sellers to currently more than 75-100 million active customers on the various platforms across 19,000 pin-code areas. This wide reach, in turn, means that these platforms can generate demand and revenue for the lakhs of small sellers, distributors, manufacturers and thereby support the livelihoods of the numerous people employed in these and associated activities. The various platforms can also directly empower local ‘Kirana’ shops by facilitating the ordering and delivery of goods from them, thereby provider critical lifeline to such entities presently struggling under the lockdown. The e-tail sector by itself today employs a considerable workforce in the form of delivery servicemen, warehouse and logistics managers, on-ground fleet operations, etc. E-commerce can also aid the vast skilled/ semi-skilled self-employed service providers such as plumbers, electricians, etc in their livelihood by enabling virtual contact with potential customers.

IAMAI stated that e-commerce services are the only means to ensure social distancing while still maintaining economic operations in the country. The association highlighted that for every one e-commerce delivery person, the country can help 350 people avoid a trip to a physical retail outlet daily. Therefore, a fully functional e-commerce delivery chain is the best means to ensure social distancing and ensuring a restricted congregation of the population. The e-tail sector today deploys state of the art warehousing and logistics facilities that can ensure safety and hygiene in packaging, transportation, and delivery of products with maximum social distancing and other precautions required to prevent contagion. 

Therefore, the association has called for full and free functioning of all forms of e-commerce activities covering both goods and services. This involves:

• Allowing all such platforms operate their procurement, storing and disbursement logistics.
• Allowing e-commerce delivery personnel full freedom of movement during operation.
• Special permission and incentives are offered to MSMEs, small scale seller, and petty producers, self-employed service providers etc. to start their operation via e-commerce platforms to safeguard livelihood.