The central government on Sunday implicitly allowed the resumption of e-commerce activities for both essential and non-essential deliveries in all areas of the country except containment zones. The relaxation, however, is subject to approval from a respective state government
State governments have been allowed to impose restrictions on e-commerce as they see fit (Picture for representation)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Earlier, e-commerce was only restricted to essentials in red zones
- Relaxation in e-commerce activities subject to approval from states
- States also given power to decide red, orange and green zones
The Centre on Sunday paved the way for e-commerce activities to resume for both essential and non-essential supplies in all areas of the country except in containment zones. Earlier, e-commerce deliveries were restricted to only essential items in districts classified as red zones. This relaxation in e-commerce activities is subject to approval from the respective state government; a state can choose to keep e-commerce restricted to essentials in red zones.
State governments have also been the authority to demarcate red, orange and green zones. Earlier, the zone classification was done by the Centre. Within the red and orange zones, states or district administrations will further delineate containment zones where no activities except those for essential services will be allowed.
These revised guidelines were released on Sunday as the Centre extended the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus till May 31. The new guidelines have significantly eased the restrictions imposed across the country.
The new guidelines allow for all activities except a chosen few to resume across the country, subject to approval from respective state governments.
The new guidelines have given states more authority on deciding on restrictions while paving the way for most economic activities to restart. The guidelines come on a day the total number novel coronavirus cases in the country crossed 90,000, including over 2,800 deaths.
