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.”
Source : http://www.thehindu.com/
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