The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a ground-breaking effort that aims to transform India’s digital commerce environment. With the primary goal of addressing the challenges faced by consumers and businesses in the online marketplace, such as monopolistic practices, multiple delivery applications, and user convenience issues, ONDC strives to employ new-age technology to establish a transparent and open digital commerce network.    

ONDC’s revolutionary approach strives to increase competition, empower customers, and promote convenience. ONDC is an open protocol network that will allow any network-enabled application to identify and engage in local commerce across categories such as mobility, shopping, food order and delivery, hotel booking, and travel, among others.    

What is ONDC? 

Launched by the Government of India to transform the country’s digital commerce environment, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is an innovative effort with goals to encourage fair competition, improve user convenience, and inspire innovation. This not only drives innovation but also broadens the range of options available to Indian consumers, resulting in a diversified and dynamic digital commerce landscape. Furthermore, ONDC intends to create a smooth and user-friendly platform that eliminates the need for different delivery apps, making online shopping more comfortable and hassle-free.    

How Does ONDC Work?

In the world of e-commerce, buyers and sellers are linked together by the Open Network for Digital Commerce ONDC. It functions similarly to the popular Unified Payment Interface (UPI), which enables users to make mobile payments regardless of the payment app they use.  

 

For example, consider the Paytm app and ONDC. You can go through a wide range of alternatives by accessing ONDC via the Paytm app or the official ONDC website. For instance, in online food delivery, you can get food from both small local companies and well-known food franchises. ONDC connects these many providers, providing you with additional options and competitive prices while encouraging healthy competition.           

 

The same applies to groceries, home decor, electronics, and other ONDC services. ONDC allows you to choose services from a diverse range of merchants, right from local neighbourhood businesses to huge supermarket giants. This means you have the option to explore a diverse range of goods and find the best deals.    

Features of ONDC 

ONDC is the solution for the new age and brings forth several buyers and sellers together in one place. It encompasses the following features:

• Increased choice and competition

ONDC brings together numerous e-commerce sellers, giving consumers more options at lower pricing. 

• Lower prices 

One of the primary advantages of ONDC is that its prices are reduced when compared to other meal delivery services. You can order from different outlets at discounted prices. 

 

• Discounts and promotions

ONDC on Paytm provides its users with promotional deals and discounts. It provides discounts on certain restaurants or menu items, free delivery, or unique seasonal specials. 

• Support for small businesses

By merging small enterprises and local vendors into a shared platform, ONDC allows them to reach a larger customer base. Customers can also explore a wide variety of services that are not offered on standard eCommerce sites. 

• Government-backed initiative

ONDC is a programme supported by the Government of India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), providing users with credibility and assurance.  

• Customer support

ONDC provides dedicated customer assistance within the app to resolve any complaints or questions customers may have. Users can contact the support team for help with order tracking, payment concerns, or general queries 24*7.  

How to Access The ONDC Platform?

There are a variety of ways you can access the ONDC platform. Some of them include: 

 

1. Paytm

2. Mystore

3. Craftsvila

4. MagicPin

5. Spice Money

6. Pincode

Conclusion 

 

ONDC is a game-changing opportunity for India’s digital commerce industry. It can transform the market due to its emphasis on fair competition, user ease, and support for local firms. It was observed that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the shortcomings of the digital commerce industry of India. There were loopholes which came up in the retail chain and some of them were completely absent. Thus, this was an initiative to bridge that gap. 

 

According to the government’s official statement, ONDC must make all efforts to safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of data in the network. ONDC shall not require participants to share any transaction-level data with ONDC. It must collaborate with its participants to disseminate anonymized aggregate measurements on network performance while maintaining confidentiality and privacy.