by Gazal Bhardwaj

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) arose as a game-changing effort in 2021 in a world where e-commerce has become the standard. With its cutting-edge capabilities and game-changing potential, ONDC wants to completely redefine the world of digital commerce by enhancing the efficiency, security, and transparency of all business dealings. By developing an open, transparent, and secure network that links the many parties involved in e-commerce transactions, ONDC seeks to develop a standardised and interoperable framework for digital commerce, specifically in India. Sellers, purchasers, service providers, logistical partners, and financial institutions are a few of these players.

There are many advantages to the exponential rise of e-commerce in recent years, but there are also many difficulties. The current e-commerce infrastructure has been hampered by fragmented systems, a lack of interoperability, data privacy concerns, and high transaction costs. In order to address these problems, ONDC was created as a standardised and functional framework for digital trade in India.

The fundamental goal of ONDC is to create an open, secure, and transparent network that seamlessly combines different stakeholders, including customers, sellers, service providers, partners in logistics, and financial institutions. It differs from conventional e-commerce systems thanks to its major features. The foundation of ONDC is interoperability, which enables compatibility and easy data exchange across various e-commerce platforms and service providers. The ONDC encourages companies and developers to integrate their systems by pushing the use of open APIs, which promotes cooperation and innovation.

Another key component of ONDC is data empowerment. It gives people and organisations control over their data, enhancing privacy and allowing for well-informed decision-making. Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures are also made easier and more secure by ONDC, which lowers the difficulty of onboarding for new customers. It includes precautions against fraudulent actions as well as processes for handling complaints and resolving disputes.

The advantages of ONDC are extensive. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can participate in digital commerce and grow their customer base because to the improved market access it provides. By showcasing and selling their goods to a larger customer base, artisans, craftspeople, and rural business owners can improve their livelihoods. By improving the procedures for product discovery, ordering, and fulfilment, ONDC also increases operational effectiveness. The decreased transaction costs benefit both businesses and customers because of the enhanced efficiency and the removal of intermediaries.

In the digital sphere, data security and privacy have always been of utmost importance. By placing a strong emphasis on user control and permission, ONDC allays these worries and fosters confidence among participants. The ONDC improves the general security of digital transactions by implementing standardised security protocols, creating a safer environment for all parties.

However, obstacles still stand in the way of widespread ONDC deployment. Technical execution requires a strong technology foundation, system compatibility across a range of platforms, and efficient stakeholder cooperation. Through coordinated efforts, capacity development, and public-private partnerships, these obstacles can be overcome. It is also crucial to promote ONDC adoption and integration among e-commerce platforms and service providers. The seamless integration of ONDC into current systems can be facilitated by spreading awareness, setting up training programmes, and providing rewards for early adopters.

The consequences of ONDC are enormous in the long run. Its success could change not only the digital commerce scene in India but also encourage similar projects around the world. Interconnected networks for frictionless cross-border trade could revolutionise international trade, promoting inclusiveness and economic prosperity on a global scale.

The potential of ONDC is much more than what it is being used for at the present time. Its success in transforming India’s digital commerce market may serve as a model for similar programmes elsewhere, building interconnected networks for frictionless international trade. The development of a global framework based on the ONDC principles would transform how companies and customers conduct online transactions, creating new opportunities for cooperation and economic progress. A new era of digital transactions has been made possible via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The ONDC is ready to change the way that e-commerce is done thanks to its interoperability, data empowerment, and emphasis on privacy and security. Businesses and consumers may anticipate a future of seamless, secure, and inclusive digital commerce experiences as they embrace this innovative endeavour.

About the Author:

Ms. Gazal Bhardwaj is working as a research scholar in the subject of Sociology in KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha and is awarded with JRF Fellowship in November, 2022