Did NRAI and ONDC Really Withdraw Their Engagement?
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Synopsis
In a strong rebuttal against media speculation, the NRAI and ONDC affirm their ongoing partnership aimed at enhancing digital commerce for food businesses. Explore how this collaboration promises to empower restaurants and redefine the digital landscape.
Key Takeaways
- NRAI and ONDC's collaboration is active and ongoing.
- They aim to support the digital empowerment of food businesses.
- Speculative media reports have been refuted as inaccurate.
- Both organizations are focused on building an inclusive framework.
- Stakeholders are encouraged to rely on verified communications.
New Delhi, May 1 (NationPress) In a robust display of partnership, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have on Thursday denied speculative media claims suggesting that the restaurant association has halted or withdrawn its collaboration with the e-commerce platform.
These reports pointed to operational challenges and a supposed lack of strategic commitment from ONDC, alleging that NRAI had put its plans to onboard members on hold.
“We jointly clarify that these claims are inaccurate and misleading,” the organizations stated, emphasizing that their collaboration is active, purposeful, and forward-thinking.
Both entities are focused on developing a comprehensive framework that supports the growth and digital empowerment of food businesses nationwide.
“We have not paused anything. Our engagement with ONDC is ongoing and meaningful. We are currently working on building a viable and scalable model and engaging in discussions through ONDC's Food Council, which involves all stakeholders, including restaurateurs and Network Participants,” said Sagar Daryani, President of NRAI.
Daryani expressed belief in the transformative potential of ONDC’s open and interoperable network for its members and the larger food service ecosystem.
In January, the NRAI actively sought to onboard member restaurants onto the government-supported ONDC, with the aim of allowing restaurants to participate in digital commerce on fair and transparent terms.
“We maintain an ongoing collaboration with the NRAI, working together to create an inclusive, transparent, and interoperable network that enables countless restaurants and food brands to engage in digital commerce on their own terms,” stated Marichi Mathur, SVP at ONDC.
“This partnership is vital for enhancing access, visibility, and equitable growth for food businesses of all sizes—from local outlets to national brands. We are exploring innovative routes that benefit both industry stakeholders and consumers,” Mathur added.
ONDC is committed to empowering food businesses of all sizes to flourish in the digital economy.
Both organizations urged stakeholders to rely solely on verified official communications and to avoid being influenced by speculative narratives that misrepresent the actual situation.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight that the NRAI and ONDC's partnership remains intact and forward-looking, contrary to speculative reports. This collaboration is pivotal for the growth of the restaurant sector, and we must focus on verified information to truly understand the evolving landscape of digital commerce.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the NRAI and ONDC clarify about their partnership?
They stated that media reports claiming a pause or withdrawal from their engagement are inaccurate and misleading. Their collaboration is ongoing and focused on developing an inclusive framework for food businesses.
What is the goal of the NRAI and ONDC partnership?
The partnership aims to empower restaurants and food brands to engage in digital commerce on equitable and transparent terms.
Who is involved in the discussions regarding ONDC?
Discussions involve all stakeholders, including restaurateurs and Network Participants, through ONDC's Food Council.
