The government plans to get Kirana stores to deliver essentials at doorsteps with the help of Logistics firms that have hitherto provided last-mile connectivity to e-commerce companies.
Messaging platform such as Whatsapp is to be used to connect the kirana stores with the customers and the payments are to be made digital with tools such as UPI and BHIM. The Logistics firm will pick up the products from stores through their delivery boys and act as a bridge between the stores and consumer.
The Aarogya Setu is proposed to be put to use to avoid any risk in the chain. Consumer data privacy will be maintained.
According to Officials, state governments and local administration can also use the network to deliver grains and pulses from public distribution network to consumers.
Currently, district administration implementing the lockdown across states relying on local traders to supply using e-rickshaws and other modes. The department for promotion of industry and internal trade, which has put in place the technology solution with the help of other stakeholders, has already tested it in six cities, including Varanasi and officials said, the platform will be deployed over the next few days.
As per reports, manufacturers are being onboarded and aligned for supply of essential commodities, even as tech partners are being roped in for logistics and digitization of their services.
Source: TOI.
