How Has ONDC Empowered Small Sellers and Transformed E-commerce?
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Synopsis
Discover how the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is reshaping India's e-commerce sector, empowering small sellers, and enhancing consumer trust. Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlights the initiative's transformative impact, making digital trade more inclusive and accessible. This story reveals the future of e-commerce in India.
Key Takeaways
- ONDC has democratized e-commerce in India.
- It integrates small shopkeepers into the digital marketplace.
- Over 1.16 lakh sellers are active on the platform.
- It enhances price transparency for consumers.
- Encourages open participation and innovation.
New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Wednesday that the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has significantly altered India's e-commerce framework over the last four years, making digital trade more open, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.
Celebrating the fourth anniversary of the ONDC, Goyal highlighted that this initiative has played a crucial role in democratizing e-commerce across various products and services by promoting open participation and nurturing innovation and collaboration.
In a message shared on social media platform X, he emphasized that ONDC has been instrumental in integrating small shopkeepers into the digital marketplace, thereby broadening access for both consumers and sellers, which in turn enhances trust within the ecosystem.
“In the past four years, ONDC has democratized e-commerce across products and services by facilitating open participation and encouraging innovation and collaboration,” Goyal remarked.
“By incorporating small shopkeepers into the digital marketplace and expanding access for everyone, it has reinforced trust, benefiting both consumers and sellers,” he continued.
The minister’s comments come as the government continues to promote ONDC as a viable alternative to conventional closed e-commerce platforms.
Unlike traditional marketplaces that function in isolation, ONDC enables sellers to connect with customers through various buyer apps without being constrained to a single platform or restrictive terms.
According to government data presented earlier in Parliament, over 1.16 lakh retail sellers are currently active on ONDC from more than 630 cities and towns nationwide.
This network reduces entry hurdles for small and micro businesses by allowing interoperability between different buyer and seller applications, consequently boosting competition in the digital commerce space.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada previously informed the Lok Sabha that the existence of multiple platforms offering the same products and services on ONDC enhances price transparency for consumers.
He mentioned that buyers benefit from a wider variety of products and services as sellers from diverse regions and of various sizes become accessible through a single open network.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of the ONDC initiative. This progressive move towards an inclusive digital marketplace demonstrates India's commitment to empowering small businesses and fostering innovation. The ONDC's ability to enhance transparency and accessibility positions it as a vital player in the future of e-commerce in the country. We stand with the nation's vision of creating equitable opportunities for all.
NationPress
03/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ONDC?
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is an initiative aimed at democratizing e-commerce in India by enabling open participation and fostering innovation.
How has ONDC transformed e-commerce?
ONDC has transformed e-commerce by allowing small sellers to join the digital marketplace, improving access for consumers, and increasing competition.
How many sellers are currently on ONDC?
As of now, over 1.16 lakh retail sellers are active on ONDC across more than 630 cities and towns in India.
What are the benefits of ONDC for consumers?
Consumers benefit from a wider range of products and price transparency due to multiple sellers offering similar products on the ONDC network.
Why is ONDC important for small businesses?
ONDC lowers entry barriers for small and micro businesses by facilitating interoperability between different applications, enabling them to compete effectively in the digital marketplace.
