GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Economy – Liberalisation after 1991
Source: Business Line
Context: A Parliamentary panel report ‘Promotion and Regulation of E-Commerce in India’ suggested that a national e-commerce policy needs to be notified by the Government at the earliest as the absence of a dedicated policy had resulted in fragmented and ineffective regulation and created a strategy vacuum for the sector.
About e-Commerce:
- Electronic commerce or e-commerce is a business model that lets firms and individuals buy and sell things over the Internet.
Need for the policy:
- Ensure protection of consumer rights and privacy and include anti-counterfeiting, and anti-piracy measures.
Suggestions given:
- Pro-customer framework
- Skill development strategy – by gauging the various requirements in the e-commerce value chains.
- Proposed framing of suitable social security schemes related to insurance, working conditions, disability and other benefits by the government.
- Appropriate labour laws relating to working hours, and holidays. minimum pay, etc., for gig and platform workers, should be framed and e-commerce must be mandated to extend these benefits,
- The committee further recommended that the DPIIT should develop appropriate mechanisms for the enforcement of rules related to Intellectual Property Rights in the e-commerce space in consultation with the relevant Ministries/Departments.
- Need to notify e-pharmacy rules and formulate comprehensive guidelines with regard to e-pharmacy/e-health platforms.
Related News:
India should target $350 bn exports through e-commerce by 2030: GTRI
Source: Business Standard
Context: The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) in its report suggested that India should target USD 350 billion worth of goods exported through e-commerce by 2030
India’s current e-commerce export numbers remain far below their potential. Currently, e-commerce exports account for only USD 2 billion, less than 0.5 per cent of the country’s total goods export basket.
Suggestions:
- Government should issue a separate e-commerce export policy. Such policies in countries including China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, have helped many firms sell globally.
- Redefining responsibilities of sellers; simplifying payment reconciliation and processes; developing business ecosystem; and setting up a National Trade Network for the medium.
Insta links:
Sansad TV: Committee Report- Promotion & Regulation of E-Commerce
Mains Link: UPSC 2015
What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks?
Prelims Link: UPSC 2022
With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce; firms, operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as marketplaces.
- The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: b
