Centre's block on E-commerce of non-essential goods to continue during Covid lockdown: MHA

Central Government on Sunday has maintained prohibition on  supply of n-essential goods by E-Commerce companies during ongoing Coronavirus lockdown. clarification comes after a lot of questions were raised by Opposition and or trers about government's decision. 

Under first phase of lockdown between March 24 - April 14, government h only allowed delivery of essential goods, including food, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment through e-commerce platforms. Earlier this week, Home Affairs Ministry issued fresh guidelines for lockdown -- which has been extended till May 3 -- seemingly allowing e-commerce companies to sell n-essential items as well.

Here is pointed release, which puts speculation to rest:

Government of India
Ministry of Information and Brocasting
Dated: 19th April 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Supply of n-essential goods by E-Commerce companies to remain prohibited during lockdown : Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

latest guidelines were issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that initial lockdown of three weeks is being extended until May 3.

government, in a statement on Wednesday, said, “Digital ecomy is critical to services sector and is important for national growth. Accordingly, e-commerce operations, operations of IT and IT enabled services, data and call centres for Government activities, and online teaching and distance learning are all permitted activities w.”

RE | After mopoly, Virat-Anushka & parents play Ludo; actor says 'I'm t losing', here's why

RE | Congress' Singhvi bashes both Rangoli Chandel & Ajaz Khan; says 'test ir poison' also

As per  guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, vehicles that are used by e-commerce companies will be allowed to ply with permission.“Vehicles used by e-commerce operators will be allowed to ply with necessary permissions,” guidelines re. However, guidelines released on Wednesday did t distinguish between essential and n-essential items.

Organisations like Confederation of All India Trers (CAIT) h called Centre decision seemingly allowing e-commerce companies to deliver n-essential goods from April 20, while lockdown is still in force as "unjust" and said that it will discour more than 40 lakh trers dealing in essential commodities in country who catered to nation during lockdown phase.

RE | Imran Khan's aide issues bizarre 'Covid spres neeche se' visory as Pak's cases rise

RE | Coronavirus first leaked by Wuhan lab intern; spre to boyfriend, n wet-market: Report