Smartphone manufacturers who were taking baby steps to adjust to the new normal were left in lurch on Sunday after the government prohibited e-commerce platforms to sell non-essential items from April 20. Chinese smartphone player Realme was all set to start online sales of its smartphones from April 20, along with launching Narzo smartphone series on April 21 through e-commerce platforms, which was the first launch post 21-day lockdown in the country.
The company told IANS that bearing in mind the current order from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), they are further evaluating the situation.
“The decision about the launch of the much-awaited Narzo series and online sales of our other smartphones will be made by tomorrow. People’s health comes first at realme and we will follow the government’s directives issued in best interests of the people,” informed a company spokesperson. The Centre allowed e-commerce companies and the vehicles used by operators of these units to supply only essential goods subject to “necessary permission” during the lockdown period. The supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies will remain prohibited during the 19-day lockdown ending May 3.