Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has expanded its footprint in Telangana and strengthened its supply chain infrastructure with the launch of a new fulfilment centre (FC) in Sangareddy. The new fulfilment centre was virtually inaugurated by IT minister KTR. Spread over four lakh square feet, the new FC will support the delivery and logistics of a wide range of product categories, including furniture and large appliances, offered by thousands of local sellers and MSMEs in Telangana, providing them access to a national market.
Speaking at the launch, Mr KTR said, “Digitization has enhanced prospects for local economies to grow and thrive, and this is being reinforced by e-commerce. I appreciate Flipkart’s ongoing endeavors to create a conducive growth environment for MSMEs and welcome its investments in the state. The new facility by Flipkart will strengthen pan-India market access for local sellers and encourage many of our local communities to become a part of the digital revolution.”
Some of Flipkart’s key investments in Telangana include the establishment of 6 fulfilment centres for making millions of products, including home appliances, furniture, large appliances, and Grocery available. With close to 100 distribution hubs in the state, it collectively generates over 40,000 job opportunities. Today, close to 5,000 kiranas in Telangana, are also associated with Flipkart’s Kirana Delivery program, making lakhs of deliveries that augment their income.
KTR spoke at length about securing the livelihoods of people working in the e-commerce market. He said that as we go along the journey in the e-commerce business, the gig workers must be taken care of and measures have to be taken to ensure that they feel secure, and their livelihoods, and families are protected.
“Let’s create a unique model that will serve as a statement from Telangana. A model that includes a tripartite arrangement – among the Government, e-commerce companies, and marketing vendors & partners to safeguard the livelihoods of the gig workers. As a market leader in India, Flipkart should lead this from the front,” said KTR.
He stated that while the State government wants industries to create employment opportunities, it will not compromise on workers’ rights. The Minister said that quality and compliance will not only apply only to goods and services, but also to human resources. We should ensure there are no sweat shops in Telangana, or in India, he added.