To facilitate rural entrepreneurs reach
national markets, the Department of Posts is foraying into the e-commerce
sector.
The new initiative will be on the lines of a
pilot e-commerce model implemented at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
India Post is planning to enter e-commerce
with the aim of promoting the interests of small and middle-level manufactures,
artisans, craftsmen, weavers in the rural areas and open rural markets like how
the urban manufacturers and business entrepreneurs were being benefited.
S. Rajendra Kumar, Postmaster General, South
Karnataka region, said on Wednesday that a communication for introducing
e-commerce platform was received recently and accordingly the postal divisions
had been told to look for products suitable for marketing in the portal.
“We are in the process of establishing links
with rural entrepreneurs, weavers, artisans, craftsmen and others and enter
into an understanding with them for marketing their produce to the clientele
across the country,” he informed.
On the expected time of roll-out of the
initiative, Mr. Kumar said, “The roll-out is expected soon with at least a few
products.”
Citing an example, the postmaster general
said Channapatna toys had been proposed for inclusion in the e-commerce biz.
On whether the initiative gives competition
to the e-commerce giants, Mr. Kumar said, “Our venture is different from
entities in the e-commerce business as our initiative is only to market the
rural produce. It does not sell branded commercial goods but products like
honey and coffee from Coorg as being done at Postal Shoppee.”
To a question on the status of tie-ups with
rural entrepreneurs, he said, “The postal divisions are exploring the
possibilities of an agreement with the groups or societies of weavers, craftsmen,
and others.”
Mr. Kumar said a link to access the
e-commerce portal would be available on the India Post website.
“Anybody sitting in the remotest corner of
the country can order for the products available in another corner. With an
unbeatable network, the delivery will be faster.”
//copy// The Hindu
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