COVID-19: MeeBuddy app launched for doorstep delivery in Arunachal

Tinsukia: As Arunachal Pradesh steps into complete lockdown, the Lohit district administration on Monday launched an e-commerce platform to ensure doorstep delivery of essential services to the residents aimed at making the lockdown effective.

Lohit is the first district in the entire Northeast India to launch such an app.

MeeBuddy, the online platform, is an Android-based digital app which can give an easy option to the people of the district to place order for essential items as well as services online at nominal delivery charges and get door step delivery.

The app is the brainchild of Lohit deputy commissioner Prince Dhawan.

Speaking with EastMojo, Dhawan said, “In order to ensure effective lockdown, we have decided to provide doorstep delivery of essential items and services so that citizens do not have to venture out of their homes.”

The services include groceries, vegetables, fruits, branded foods, breakfast and snacks, household products, personal & beauty care, baby care products, school & office supplies, restaurant items, computer services, electrical services, plumbing services, carpenter services, etc, said Dhawan.

Posters have been released to make people aware about the services that they can avail through the app.

Dhawan said that the initiative have several other key features. “Besides providing hassle free door-to-door delivery to citizens, plumbing, electric repair services too would be provided through the app,” he said.

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The app will help the traders and other business unit in minimising economic losses. The app will allow shop owners and other business units including restaurant to continue limited and safe operation of their installations through the help of MeeBuddy. They have to register on the app and upload their menu or supply items which will be visible to the consumers who can order them online, said Dhawan.

Keeping safety and hygiene in mind at this hour, Dhawan said: “The delivery boys and other service delivery partners will be routinely screened and packaging standards of the delivery items will be continuously monitored by the medical team”.

“Online payment will reduce the requirement of visiting ATMs for cash withdrawal,” Dhawan said and adding, “Less exposure to public places thereby reducing the chances of spread of Covid-19.”

Responding to why MeeBuddy, Dhawan said, “It is being observed that there are multiple online delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato but such platforms are totally non-existent in rural or semi-urban areas like Lohit.”

The Arunachal Pradesh government had announced a complete lockdown from 5 pm on Monday, joining number of other states who are under similar measures.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu tweeted on Monday at 5.11 pm: “To fight #COVID19outbreak, Arunachal Pradesh Lockdown begins from 5pm today till 31st March….