Today saw the beta launch of the Nija Platform. Nine days after the target date of October 2. The delay was caused by an unexpected change in export laws of India which necessitated each and every export sale to disclose the identity of the importer. How do you do that when you sell a email account or a usd 1 mobile app.
It creates a storm in a teacup. Investments were called off. The govt fortunately took notice and I believe the EDF form is being changed to allow for self declaration for export consignments upto Rs 10 lacs. No notification yet. But then the world lives on hope and rumours. Hopefully true.
The fiasco was the result of poor planning and fact finding. But the corrective measures were taken at unbelievable speed. The issue was raised with the Commerce Secretary and Niti Aayog less than fifteen days ago. And seems to have been acted upon today.
The superstitious among us say the fiasco happened because Oct 1 was in shradh. And the commerce ministry should have introduced new laws in Navratri.
Welcome to India.