NEWS : Pilot phase of the open network for digital commerce (ONDC) was launched

Open Network for Digital Commerce

• WHAT – First-of-its-kind initiative that aims to democratise Digital Commerce, moving it from a platform-centric model to an open-network.
• The pilot is being conducted across five cities Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong. It will be later launched in 100 cities over six months.
• As UPI is to the digital payment domain, ONDC is to e-commerce in India.
• ONDC
  • Will enable, buyers and sellers to be digitally visible and transact through an open network, no matter what platform/application they use.
  • Will empower merchants and consumers by breaking silos to form a single network to drive innovation and scale, transforming all businesses from retail goods, food to mobility.
  • Aims at promoting open networks developed on open-sourced methodology, using open specifications and open network protocols independent of any specific platform.
  • Is expected to digitize the entire value chain, standardize operations, promote inclusion of suppliers, derive efficiencies in logistics and enhance value for consumers.