Flipkart resumes delivery for essential commodities, groceries after government clarifies and provides e-pass

After the Central Government announced a complete lockdown in the country, all e-commerce websites suspended their services. Flipkart and Amazon had discontinued taking low-priority orders. Zomato and Swiggy shut down as well as the delivery boys were getting harassed by the on-ground police. Big-basket and Grofer's app crashed several times. The firms had shut down their warehouses and refused pick-up from seller warehouses as well.

Flipkart and other websites reported police action against their staff and shut down the services till April 2. E-commerce operations have disrupted as Indians will be observing lockdown from 25 March to  14 April.

This came forwards despite the operations to deliver essential commodities (e-commerce or otherwise) was exempt from Section 144 operations. The impact had been severe in North-western and Western India as the companies face a shortage of staff as well. Amazon had suspended its FBA programme saying it will only deliver essential goods.

Meanwhile, Flipkart and Amazon are working with state governments to get permits to allow the delivery of essential services. The Commissioner of Gurugram issued orders to enable Flipkart, Amazon, Bigbasket, Zomato, Swiggy, Grofers and other e-deliveries to continue. Big Bazaar delivery will be fully-functional as well.

In certain areas in Delhi and Gurugram, the police don't know how to issue permits. Delivery-people facing issues can call 1031 and get e-pass. The Government and companies have also formed a Whatsapp group for the delivery guys, in case of any problems.

“We have been assured of the safe and smooth passage of our supply chain and delivery executives by local law enforcement authorities and are resuming our grocery & essentials services later today,” Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO, Flipkart Group said in a statement.

According to the official lockdown notification, "Shops including ration shops (under PDS), dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal fodder" can remain open. The notification also states, "District authorities may encourage and facilitate home delivery to minimise the movement of individuals outside their homes."

Prime Minister Modi also assured that State and Central Government with work in close coordination.