The Open Network of Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Common Services Centres (CSCs) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEitY) have teamed up to enable rural Indians to access e-commerce, the MEitY announced in a press release on Wednesday.
According to the release, this project would make it possible for the CSC e-Grameen app to be integrated into the ONDC network as a buyer application, giving residents of rural India access to its extensive e-commerce network.
“We are delighted to see Common Service Centers on the ONDC Network, heralding a new chapter that empowers local entrepreneurship. Through the trusted and widespread network of CSCs, millions of citizens will now have access to essential e-commerce services. Together, we hope to tap into the entrepreneurial promise of village-level entrepreneurs to boost rural incomes aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision,” said T. Koshy, MD and CEO, ONDC.
There will be two stages to the collaboration. During the initial stage, CSC will function as a buyer-side platform, enabling citizens who visit the centre to place orders using the e-Grameen app. The sellers who have registered on the CSC platform will be able to accept orders over the ONDC network during the second phase.
“This partnership will create a new wave of opportunities to increase e‑retail penetration to its maximum potential in rural India. This will pave the way for inclusive development in the far-flung areas of the country,” said Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, MD and CEO, CSC SPV.
