Online shopping alert! Waiting to buy mobiles, fridges, ACs? Good news for you

This is a must read story for online shoppers! It's a good news for you if you are among those waiting to buy mobiles, fridges, ACs from online shopping sites. As restrictions on certain economic activities will be lifted to some extent starting April 20, e-commerce majors would be able to sell mobile phones and electronic items, including refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, coolers along with stationery items, as per a report in IANS.

The Centre on Wednesday allowed operations of e-commerce companies and courier services starting April 20. In an order, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also said that vehicles of e-commerce companies can ply, but with necessary permissions. The relaxations are allowed in areas which are not hotspots for coronavirus cases.

During the first 21 days of the lockdown, e-commerce platforms were allowed to sell only essential goods such as food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. However, initially during the nationwide lockdown, there were issues being faced by their delivery personnel due to the restrictions from the authorities.

There were several reports of delivery partners of e-commerce firms being beaten by police, but eventually, the Home Ministry assured the companies that they would be able to operate and deliver essential goods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that the current lockdown will be extended till May 3, saying it is very necessary to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country. In a televised address to the nation, Modi said implementation of the lockdown will be strictly ensured in coming days to ensure that the virus does not spread to new areas,

The prime minister said detailed guidelines on the implementation of the new lockdown will be announced on Wednesday. Some relaxations may be allowed after April 20 in places where there is no hotspot, he said. He added India has managed to contain the spread of infection well due to its holistic approach in dealing with the crisis and sacrifices made by people of the country in the fight produced positive results.

Modi said India received huge benefits from the 21-day lockdown in checking the pandemic and added that the country has dealt with the situation better with limited resources.