Karnataka's MSIL plans to enter e-commerce space

Industries Minister M B Patil said Karnataka-run Mysore Sales International Ltd (MSIL) is planning to launch its own e-commerce platform that will sell a range of products.

Bengaluru: Karnataka-run Mysore Sales International Ltd (MSIL) is planning to launch its own e-commerce platform that will sell a range of products, Industries Minister M B Patil said on Saturday.

Patil held a meeting with senior officials and discussed the e-commerce plan for MSIL, which functions under his department.

“The initiative aims to create a marketplace for both government and private producers, similar to the Centre’s Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal,” Patil said.

Describing it as a “progressive” step, Patil asked officials to prepare a roadmap for its implementation.

“The platform will be developed in four phases. Once fully operational, government departments will be able to procure their stationery and other requirements without inviting tenders,” Patil said. “Additionally, they can also use the platform to sell their products,” he said.

In the first phase, only MSIL products will be made available on the platform.

“The second phase will expand to include products from various government enterprises such as Mysore Sandal Soap, Lidkar, Mysore Silk, Cauvery Emporium and Nandini,” Patil said.

The platform will also facilitate the sale of products from MSMEs and women self-help groups,” Patil said.

The third phase will introduce consumer products such as electronics, while the final phase will have fresh and perishable goods, Patil said.

Patil said the e-commerce sector has “immense potential” given that India has 900 million internet users. “India’s annual e-commerce transactions, currently valued at $75 billion, are expected to reach $350 billion by 2030,” he said.