Which one of the following best describes the key objective of India's 'Open Network for Digital Commerce' (ONDC) initiative ?
A
To allow government control over all digital commerce transactions
B
To replace private e-commerce players
C
To break the dominance of large e-commerce platforms by enabling interoperability across networks
Correct answer
D
To mandate UPI-based payments for all online transactions
Explanation
The Open Network for Digital Commerce, promoted by DPIIT as a not-for-profit company, is an open protocol that lets buyers and sellers on different apps transact with one another. By making networks interoperable it aims to break the dominance of a few large platforms and give small sellers access to digital commerce. It does not put the government in control of transactions, replace private players or mandate UPI.
Digital EconomyDigital public infrastructure: ONDCONDCInteroperabilityDPIITE-commerceOpen network