(a) whether the Government proposes to implement e-commerce site through which rural artisans can directly sell their products to potential consumers; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to minimise the role of middlemen and establish direct links between artisans and consumers?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)
(a)&(b): Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) through Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched an e-Commerce initiative on pilot basis by making eco-friendly KVI items available on the e-Commerce Portal of M/s. Paytm, New Delhi and M/s Aar Mart, Nagpur.
The KVIC e-Portal of M/s. Paytm was launched on free trial basis on 5.1.2017 while the KVIC e-Platform initiative of M/s. Aar Mart was launched on trial basis on 21.6.2017.
Sales recorded through on line portal of M/s Paytm and M/s. Aar Mart for the period from 5.1.2017 to 7.3.2018 is Rs. 1,26,708/- (approximately).
The outcomes of these two pilot projects are being evaluated and it is proposed to launch more platforms in association with other e-Commerce Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
Ministry of MSME through Coir Board has already taken steps to design and develop an e-commerce marketing portal to link the rural artisans and the franchisee network. Through the marketing portal, artisans can directly sell the products to customers.