In the past, small businesses in India have struggled with issues such as high fees, limited exposure, and lack of resources while competing with platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, which have the resources and scale to offer a wide range of products and services.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) changes this dynamic by providing an open network that allows buyers to purchase goods from any seller application that integrates with the platform, and have those goods delivered via any logistics network integrated with ONDC. This means that businesses of all sizes can easily participate in e-commerce and reach customers all over the country. And because ONDC is built on top of blockchain technology, it provides a secure and transparent foundation for all transactions, ensuring that all parties can trust the integrity of the platform and have confidence in the security of their transactions.
Here is an example of how ONDC can help small businesses scale:
Let's say that a small business owner in Mumbai named Raj runs a boutique that specializes in handmade clothing and accessories. Raj has always dreamed of expanding his business and reaching a wider audience, but he doesn't have the resources to set up his own e-commerce platform or delivery network.
One day, Raj hears about the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and decides to sign up. He connects his boutique to the ONDC network and begins offering his products for sale through the platform.
Now, when a customer in Kolkata wants to purchase one of Raj's handmade dresses, they can do so through any buyer application that integrates with ONDC (e.g. PayTM, IDFC). The customer places an order and pays for it through the buyer application, and ONDC handles the rest. Raj is notified of the order and prepares the dress for shipment, and any logistics network integrated with ONDC (e.g. Delhivery, Dunzo) can be used to deliver the dress to the customer.
Raj is now able to reach customers all over India and expand his business, without having to worry about building his own platform or delivery network. And the customer is able to easily purchase a unique, handmade dress from a small business, without having to search through multiple websites or worry about security. ONDC makes the process simple, seamless, and secure for everyone involved.
ONDC is currently in beta testing in Bangalore, and has already seen a great deal of interest from buyers, sellers, and logistics providers like Paytm, IDFC, LoadShare Networks, Dunzo, ITC, Meesho, Delhivery, and Shiprocket. The launch of ONDC in Meerut, a tier 2 city, is a particularly significant milestone, as it demonstrates that e-commerce in India is not just limited to the big cities.
India is likely to benefit from ONDC in several ways:
It will create new opportunities for small businesses to sell their products and services online, which can help stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
It will also make it easier for consumers to access a wide range of products and services, which can improve their quality of life.
By providing a secure and transparent platform for transactions, ONDC can help build trust and confidence in e-commerce in India.
The Digital India Initiative has been working towards a more connected and inclusive India, and initiatives like ONDC are a key part of that vision. By democratizing e-commerce and providing a level playing field for businesses of all sizes, ONDC is helping to build a brighter future for Indian businesses.