E-commerce companies protest against new rules in Maharashtra, Assam

E-commerce and transport operators are protesting the new rules created by the Maharashtra and Assam government for delivering food, groceries and other essential supplies. As per an Economic Times report, the Maharashtra government has directed drivers and helpers of all goods carriers entering the state to carry a negative RT-PCR certificate that is less than 48 hours old, and that it will be valid for only seven days. The rules also debar cargo carriers from having more than two people. They will come into effect from May 15.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has introduced an odd-even formula for private vehicles. Those with even registration numbers can travel on even dates and odd numbers on odd dates, from 5 am to 2 pm. E-commerce firms and transport operators in Maharashtra are protesting these rules. They feel the new rules may choke the entire supply chain, and go against the guidelines of the home ministry to facilitate free movement of goods carriers. Operations at Bhiwandi in Maharashtra, a major e-commerce hub through which hundreds of trucks pass every day, could be disrupted by new rules.

Until now, while several states had banned e-commerce companies from delivering “non-essential” items, the movement of goods had not been restricted, in line with the central government’s guidelines.

The requirement of a Covid-negative that is valid only for seven days will complicate matters. It is difficult to imagine how the workers would get themselves tested every week. And the two-person limit per vehicle will add another hurdle for truck operators, as vehicles on longer routes typically have more than one driver.

E-commerce and goods transporters have now approached the Maharashtra administration, seeking changes to the notification. The state also receives and transports several raw materials for manufacturing industries and is home to major ports.