Context

Union Commerce and Industry Minister recently said Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) would democratize e-commerce and will protect small businesses by granting them equal opportunity.

About

About Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC):

• Open Network for Digital Commerce christened ONDC is globally first-of-its-kind initiative that aims to democratise Digital Commerce, moving it from a platform-centric model to an open-network.
• It aims to ensure that small retailers get an equal opportunity to engage with big firms, protect their businesses and serve customers with modern ways of delivery system.
• As UPI is to the digital payment domain, ONDC is to e-commerce in India.
• It will enable buyers and sellers to be digitally visible and transact through an open network, no matter what platform/application they use.
• ONDC received its certificate of incorporation as a private sector non-profit company in December, 2021.
• A number of established companies have integrated with the platform.
• The platform will provide opportunities for new start-ups to start creating a network of sellers, provide service to local areas, and increase competition.

Aims and objectives:

• ONDC aims at promoting open networks developed on open-sourced methodology, using open specifications and open network protocols independent of any specific platform.
• ONDC is expected to digitize the entire value chain, standardize operations, promote inclusion of suppliers, derive efficiencies in logistics and enhance value for consumers.