Draft e-comm policy calls for 'equal treatment' of sellers by marketplaces

This is not the time that the government is emphasizing fair competition in the e-commerce space

Online retailers must refrain from adopting algorithms that result in prioritizing a select few vendors on their platforms, according to a draft e-commerce policy prepared by the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT).

To promote fair competition, e-commerce operators will have to ensure 'equal treatment' of all sellers and vendors on their platform. Besides, they will have to put out transparent policies on discounts, while spelling out the basis of discount rates funded by platforms for different products and suppliers.

"In the interest of the Indian consumer, and the local startup ecosystem, the government will aim to ensure that