New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended the significant influence of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on the e-commerce sector in India.
In a repost of Union Minister Piyush Goyal's message on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated, "ONDC has played a crucial role in empowering small businesses and transforming e-commerce, thereby contributing to growth and prosperity."
His comments underscored the platform's effectiveness in promoting growth and inclusivity within the digital marketplace.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, in his original post, elaborated on the government's vision for ONDC and its achievements over the last three years.
He remarked, "We are building a strong and inclusive digital marketplace! @ONDC_Official was initiated in 2021 by the Modi Government with the aim of democratizing e-commerce in India. In just three years, it has reached numerous milestones and empowered businesses, particularly small enterprises, by establishing a level playing field on the network. By connecting sellers and buyers, ONDC is continuously transforming the e-commerce landscape of the nation!"
Since its launch in 2021, ONDC has marked significant achievements, facilitating over 150 million transactions and showcasing robust platform adoption.
The network now includes more than 200 participants, comprising sellers, buyers, and service providers, fostering a dynamic and competitive marketplace.
With 700,000 sellers and service providers across more than 600 cities and towns, ONDC has significantly enhanced small businesses' access to a broader customer base.
On the consumer front, individuals from over 1,100 cities and towns have participated in the network, underscoring its vast reach.
The platform has also made notable strides in empowering farmers. Over 7,000 farmer producer organizations (FPOs), representing 3.5 million farmers, have joined the network, allowing them to connect directly with buyers and obtain improved market opportunities. This initiative supports ONDC's mission to bridge the divide between rural and urban markets.
In addition to aiding farmers, ONDC is committed to promoting the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through programs such as the MSME TEAM scheme.
This initiative aims to empower 500,000 SMEs, with half of the beneficiaries being women-owned businesses. By championing women entrepreneurs, ONDC is not only fostering economic growth but also advancing gender equality within India's digital commerce landscape.
