ONDC drives e-commerce inclusion with multilingual tools, MSME support, and SHG onboarding.
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is transforming India’s e-commerce space by enhancing access, affordability, and inclusivity. As part of this push, ONDC launched “ONDC Sahayak,” a multilingual WhatsApp bot available in five Indian languages, with plans to expand to 22. The initiative aims to simplify onboarding and support for small sellers and buyers.
In partnership with institutions like SIDBI and NABARD, ONDC is integrating self-help groups (SHGs) and social sector sellers into its digital network. Over 800 SHG-made handicrafts are now available on the eSaras platform, live on ONDC. Additionally, 50% of the beneficiaries under the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) scheme, launched by the Ministry of MSME, will be women-led enterprises.
State governments in Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are also promoting local participation, while Common Services Centers now connect rural India to the digital market. ONDC’s multi-lingual Seller Handbook and over 3,000 hours of training have further empowered 50,000+ entrepreneurs. By fostering interoperability and unbundling the value chain, ONDC ensures fair competition, lower commissions, and wider product choices for buyers.
Source: PIB
