Bhubaneswar, June 19 (UDN): Odisha is exploring a strategic partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to expand market access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers’ producer organisations (FPOs), self-help groups (SHGs), artisans, weavers, and other local seller communities across the state.
The initiative was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg in Bhubaneswar, where the ONDC team presented a detailed overview of how the open digital commerce network can enhance participation of small businesses in the digital economy and promote inclusive growth.
ONDC, an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to create an open, interoperable digital commerce ecosystem that enables seamless transactions across goods and services. Officials highlighted that the network is already facilitating nearly two crore digital transactions per month across sectors such as retail, logistics, financial services, mobility, and travel.
The platform was also presented as a significant opportunity for Odisha’s tourism sector. Iconic destinations such as the Konark Sun Temple, Puri, Chilika Lake, Similipal National Park, and Bhitarkanika National Park, along with eco-tourism and tribal cultural sites, could gain wider visibility through the digital network, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
In addition, ONDC can enable direct market linkages for local tour operators, homestay owners, Mission Shakti groups, ORMAS-supported producers, handicraft artisans, weavers, and MSME entrepreneurs, allowing them to connect directly with buyers across India and improve income opportunities.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg emphasized the importance of leveraging ONDC to overcome barriers faced by small sellers in traditional e-commerce platforms. She noted that the network offers a stronger opportunity for national-level visibility and demand generation for grassroots enterprises.
She also stressed the need to bring more economic activity into the digital ecosystem and called on departments to actively explore integration opportunities to support business growth and innovation.
The Chief Secretary further highlighted the potential of integrating Odisha’s tourism and eco-tourism offerings into ONDC, which would enhance the state’s visibility while enabling seamless online discovery and booking for travelers.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from multiple departments, including Electronics and IT, Commerce and Transport, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Mission Shakti, Tourism, Industries, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development.
The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen Odisha’s digital economy, empower grassroots entrepreneurs, and expand the state’s presence in the national and global e-commerce landscape.
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