Shivalik
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) on Sunday said the principles for home delivery of products should be broad-based and all types of retailers, including neighbourhood stores, should be allowed to work.
The statement comes on the backdrop of the Centre's decision to permit the online sale of only essential goods till May 3. The govt has allowed e-commerce companies and therefore the vehicles employed by operators of those units to provide only essential goods subject to "necessary permission" during the lockdown.
"We believe that to fulfill consumer needs in these trying times, rules for direct customer delivery need to be broad-based and all types of retailers including neighbourhood stores should be allowed to operate," RAI said in a statement.
The industry body said that such a choice would this may allow retailers to support smooth implementation of social distancing norms, through contactless delivery, strict hygiene and safety standards, for such work from home essentials as mobiles, laptops, infant garments and household supplies.
It said that neighbourhood stores and enormous essential products chain retailers have done an excellent service to the state so far and widening of the essential products categories will help them support government's steps to make sure the security of its people while also enabling movement of products required for economic activity.
