The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today highlighted ONDC’s contribution in empowering small businesses and revolutionising e-commerce and remarked that it will play a vital role in furthering growth and prosperity.
Responding to a post by Shri Piyush Goyal on X, Shri Modi wrote:
“ONDC has contributed to empowering small businesses and revolutionising e-commerce, thus playing a vital role in furthering growth and prosperity.”
In a world where e-commerce giants dominate the marketplace, the Indian government’s initiative, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), has emerged as a game-changer for small businesses. Today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underscored ONDC’s transformative impact, calling attention to its role in empowering local entrepreneurs and revolutionizing the e-commerce landscape.
Responding to a post by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister remarked:
“ONDC has contributed to empowering small businesses and revolutionising e-commerce, thus playing a vital role in furthering growth and prosperity.”
What is ONDC?
ONDC is a ground-breaking initiative launched by the Government of India to democratize e-commerce. By creating an open network, it enables sellers, particularly small businesses, to compete on a level playing field with larger enterprises. The platform promotes inclusivity, ensuring that even those in remote areas can access and benefit from the digital marketplace.
Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, ONDC is not a platform itself but a network that connects buyers and sellers, offering a decentralized and technology-driven ecosystem. This approach eliminates gatekeeping by large corporations and reduces dependency on monopolistic platforms.
Empowering Small Businesses
ONDC has been instrumental in enabling small businesses to adopt digital commerce without the need for extensive infrastructure or resources. Key features that empower these businesses include:
1.Accessibility: ONDC provides an open and interoperable platform where businesses of all sizes can register and reach a broader audience.
2.Affordability: By reducing the costs associated with middlemen and platform commissions, ONDC ensures greater profitability for small vendors.
3.Inclusivity: Small artisans, local shop owners, and home-based entrepreneurs, who were previously excluded from the digital ecosystem, now have an avenue to showcase their products globally.
Revolutionizing E-Commerce
ONDC is not only about empowering small businesses but also about reshaping the e-commerce industry. It introduces transparency, promotes competition, and curbs monopolistic practices. With features like multiple payment options, customizable logistics solutions, and localized services, ONDC fosters an environment where innovation thrives.
Moreover, the platform aligns with the government’s vision of Digital India by integrating technology to improve economic opportunities and digital literacy across the country.
A Step Towards Growth and Prosperity
Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on ONDC reflects its importance as a catalyst for India’s growth. By enabling small businesses to flourish in the digital economy, ONDC contributes to job creation, increased incomes, and regional development. The initiative also supports the “Vocal for Local” campaign, enhancing India’s self-reliance and global competitiveness.
The Road Ahead
As ONDC continues to expand, it is expected to revolutionize how e-commerce functions in India and inspire similar models globally. Its success will depend on widespread adoption, robust infrastructure, and ongoing policy support.
With ONDC, India is setting an example of how innovation and inclusivity can drive sustainable development. As the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, it is not just a platform—it is a vision for a more equitable and prosperous future.