ONDC Enables MSMEs To Bypass Platform Monopolies, Says Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, Dec 22 (KNN) The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is emerging as a key instrument to democratise e-commerce in India by enabling micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to access nationwide markets without being tied to platform-centric monopolies, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament.

Democratising E-commerce for MSMEs

The minister said ONDC differs fundamentally from conventional e-commerce platforms by operating as an open and interoperable network rather than a closed ecosystem.

Sellers on ONDC can reach customers across multiple buyer applications without being constrained by platform-specific terms and conditions.

In addition, the Ministry of MSME’s Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) scheme supports adoption of digital commerce by small sellers, including self-help groups, farmer producer organisations, artisans, rural entrepreneurs and local retailers.

The scheme focuses on digital literacy, onboarding and cataloguing, with women-led enterprises accounting for 50 per cent of beneficiaries.

Expansion Across Non-Mobility Segments

As of 9 December 2025, ONDC had onboarded more than 1.16 lakh sellers from 630 cities and towns, operating across categories such as food, grocery, fashion, electronics and other retail segments. The ecosystem includes over 85 buyer network participants and more than 187 seller network participants in retail categories.

Digital Presence for Local Retailers

The minister said ONDC’s interoperable QR code system provides a low-cost and simple digital identity for local retailers, artisans, MSMEs and kirana stores.

The system enables these businesses to be discovered across all ONDC-compatible buyer applications, lowering entry barriers and expanding their reach to a wider consumer base.

Linking Digital Commerce with Credit Access

ONDC is also engaging with banks and financial institutions to extend financial services through the network’s open protocols.

Currently, personal loans and gold loans are available on the platform, with participation from over 10 lenders and more than 10 loan service providers.

(KNN Bureau)