The minister’s remarks came after reports that DPIIT, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and NITI Aayog have raised objections to certain provisions of the draft e-commerce rules.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday assured that the interests of every stakeholder will be kept in mind while formulating an e-commerce policy which will be strong and in the interest of every Indian.
Mr Goyal, who heads the ministries of commerce and industry as well as consumer affairs, said he welcomes all feedback on the draft e-commerce rules, but comments on inter-departmental issues on the draft rules Completely inappropriate.
The minister’s remarks came after reports that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and NITI Aayog have raised objections to certain provisions of the draft e-commerce rules.
Citing an RTI reply, the report claimed that NITI Aayog has expressed apprehensions that the draft rules may harm the ease of doing business.
Shri Goyal said that the entire purpose of the Inter-Ministerial consultations was to elicit views and comments from various sectors.
“I believe I welcome all feedback and look forward to a very strong and healthy consultation with all stakeholders… We are trying to balance everyone’s interest and come up with a strong framework.” in which it (policy) can be implemented. In the interest of all Indians,” said Mr. Goyal PTI.
The purpose of releasing the draft rules is to spur public opinion, views from other departments, stakeholders, and encourage feedback, he said, adding that the government should always engage with all stakeholders before taking a final decision on any policy. believes.
Citing examples of data privacy law, national education policy and jewelery hallmarking norms, he said the government consults stakeholders to arrive at a sound decision.
Domestic jewelers are now appreciating the hallmarking norms, which they were opposing tooth and nail earlier, he said.
“Consumer regulations around e-commerce are subject to public consultation. I warmly welcome feedback from various stakeholders, but I have to protect everyone’s interests and balance the interests of consumers, ecommerce interests, retailers interests “It will be in the interest of all,” he said. This will be considered and a balanced and very strong policy will be finalised.” Gotta protect.
DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is also formulating a National E-Commerce Policy.
“The consumer department has to protect the interests of the consumers. Ecommerce policy is a matter of focus for the industry department, because they have to protect the interests of the industry and internal trade… so in the industry and we have an orderly behavior At the same time, ensure that internal trade is also protected.”
He said that they are trying to balance the interests of all and come up with a strong framework in which this policy can be implemented in the interest of all Indians.
On June 21, the consumer affairs ministry released the draft e-commerce rules, under which it banned fraudulent flash sales and mis-selling of goods and services on e-commerce platforms.
Other major amendments proposed in the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 include the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer/Grievance Redressal Officer.
The government also proposed registration of every e-commerce entity that wants to work with DPIIT in India. The proposed amendments also include e-commerce entities that are required to provide information within 72 hours of receipt of an order from a government agency for prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of offenses under any law.
According to research firm CUTS International, many consumer organizations have felt that draft e-commerce rules should remain only on consumer-facing issues. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 were first notified in July last year. Their violation attracts penal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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