Parliamentary panel calls for notification of e-commerce policy to address sector’s ‘strategy vacuum’

Source: The post is based on the article “Parliamentary panel calls for notification of e-commerce policy to address sector’s ‘strategy vacuum” published in The Hindu on 27th March 2023.

What is the News?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has released a report titled ‘Promotion and Regulation of E-Commerce in India’.

What are the key highlights from the report?

The absence of a dedicated e-commerce policy has resulted in a ‘strategy vacuum’ for the sector and ‘ineffective regulation’. Hence, there is a need to finalize the draft National E-Commerce Policy at the earliest.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT) should develop appropriate mechanisms for the enforcement of rules related to Intellectual Property Rights in the e-commerce space.

The online sale of medicines has not been regulated despite objections and concerns raised by stakeholders. Hence, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should notify E-Pharmacy Rules and formulate comprehensive guidelines with regard to e-pharmacy/e-health platforms.

Frame suitable social security schemes related to insurance, working conditions, disability and other benefits by the government.

Prepare a Skill development strategy – by gauging the various requirements in the e-commerce value chains.

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.