An inter-ministerial consultation is going on to frame an ecommerce policy that would help in providing a conducive environment for inclusive and harmonious growth of the sector, a top government official has said.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), mentioned that the policy’s objective is to align it with consumer protection rules rather than conflicting with them.

The policy’s primary goal is to formulate strategies that promote a conducive environment for the ecommerce sector’s inclusive and harmonious growth. This will be achieved through the implementation of a streamlined regulatory framework, facilitation of business operations, adoption of modern technologies, integration of supply chains, and enhancing exports through ecommerce.

Singh informed PTI that the policy is currently being developed through inter-ministerial consultations. He emphasised that the consumer protection rules and the e-commerce policy will be separate but will remain compatible with each other.

The policy will serve as a comprehensive framework in comparison to the e-commerce rules. Regarding the demands from domestic retailers for clarification on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the e-commerce sector, the Secretary stated that the policy aims to address some of these concerns by ensuring more effective enforcement of the norms.

However, Singh clarified that there are no immediate plans to establish a regulator for the sector, the PTI report said Sunday.

The Confederation of All Indian Traders (CAIT), a traders’ body, has called for the implementation of a robust e-commerce policy and the establishment of an empowered regulatory body. CAIT alleges that foreign online retailers are violating FDI norms and urges the government to take action against those engaged in malpractices.