In the wake of a lockdown on Coronavirus, the Indian government has revoked an earlier order exempting e-commerce firms such as Amazon and Flipkart from plying normally on 20 April. As smartphone firms including Xiaomi and Realme prepared to unleash electronic goods on the Indian markets, the updated order restricts e-commerce businesses from the procurement of non-essential items.
The government cites the Legislation on Disaster Management and removes the previous order, which specifies that e-commerce firms will operate with the requisite permits, from an official order released by the Home Ministry on April 19.
In addition, the Order notes that vehicles for the sale of non-essential items by e-commerce provider can not function as well.
With that, Xiaomi India, which has confirmed it is only minutes back to the start of operations in its Mi Shop, had to respond and will not be taking orders from April 20 for non-important products.
Realme India has already confirmed that its latest Narzo 10 smartphone series would be launched on 21 April, but recent changes seem to allow a launch that is only possible after the restrictions have been removed. In a statement to Digit, Madhav Sheth, Realme India CEO, said, “We have noticed the update shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. They have mentioned about the supply of non-essential goods by e-Commerce companies to remain prohibited during the lockdown. realme was planning to start online sales of its smartphones from April 20 and launch its Narzo series on April 21 through e-commerce platforms. But bearing in mind the current order from MHA, we are evaluating the situation and decision about the launch of the much-awaited Narzo series and online sales of our other smartphones will be made by tomorrow. On principle aligned, people’s health comes first at realme and we will follow the Government directives issued in best interests of the people.”
The order is on the rise as Coronavirus patients in India have been registered with over 16,360 more cases at the time of printing. A few minutes ago in a Press conference, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal declared that the constraints enforced during continuous lockdown will be no respite, as was commonly thought. It indicates a significant rise in cases of coronavirus in 77 parts of the region where over 1890 residents have been screened positively.
In its previous order, although with reduced employees and in compliance with the advisory of the government on taking steps to avoid COVID-19 dissemination, the government has allowed smartphone factories to start up development again. Because electronic companies are now restricted to selling customer non-essential goods, it is unclear whether we can see further releases of items before the lock-up lifts on or after 3 May.
In recent weeks with Realme’s event scheduled for 21 April, Apple, OnePlus, Xiaomi and Realme were developing the platform with the introduction of new items such as the OnePlus 8 range, iPhone SE2020, and my smart Vacuum M-Pop cleaner. Although it could be some time now until we will see these latest items on offer before the lockdown hits a break.
