The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) given shape by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade functioning under the aegis of the Union government was kickstarted in a bid to increase business opportunities in various sectors by facilitating digital transformation.
In an effort aimed at making the most of the opportunities on offer, the Kerala Department of Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with the ONDC so that it can help provide a digital thrust to the industries sector in the state.
Minister for Industries P. Rajeeve, who inaugurated the MoU signing ceremony, launched the products of Kerala-based Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) on the e-commerce platform. According to the minister, around nine companies have signed agreement with ONDC and 220 products of PSUs are available on the platform currently. The Minister reminded PSUs of maintaining professionalism in product delivery, quality and packaging, besides strengthening their marketing team.
MSME products on ONDC platform
Products of MSMEs will be made available on ONDC platform in the next phase and workshops will be conducted in all taluks to create awareness on the possibilities offered by it. Stressing that product innovation is vital to lap up vast opportunities in the market, Rajeeve said training sessions will be held in coir sector for designing products.
Kerala’s Transport Department will also engage in a pact with ONDC soon. The platform is seen as a good opportunity and beneficial for traders, no entrepreneurs can shy away from online platforms these days.
Dr V P Joy, Kerala’s Chief Secretary, highlighted the importance of marketing support to achieve success. He said the agreement with ONDC will bring in a new energy and impetus for PSUs, MSMEs and other industries to market their products widely and help Kerala industries go global under the tag of ‘Kerala Brand’.
Suman Billa, Principal Secretary, Industries department, said the platform is a democratic market where products can be listed to get wide visibility. He said the MoU has been initiated by considering the interests of traders and consumers as well and it will be a fillip to PSUs and MSMEs in the state.
ONDC helps entrepreneurs to feature products on multiple marketplaces
ONDC, which goes beyond the current platform-centric digital commerce model, is a platform for entrepreneurs to seamlessly feature their products on multiple marketplaces and can be sold through several e-commerce platforms across the country.
Launched in 2021 to develop open e-commerce, ONDC is building a digital network for the e-commerce industry that allows any online seller to connect with any buyer in the country. The initiative aims at promoting open networks for all aspects of exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks. Functioning similar to Unified Payments Interface (UPI), ONDC aims to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers.