PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted a pivotal conference at its headquarters in New Delhi, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the integration of One District One Product (ODOP), Geographical Indication (GI), and other local products with e-commerce platforms. The event featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Sandhya Bhullar, IAS, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India (GOI), who delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Bhullar emphasized the imperative of developing forward and backward linkages for products, advocating for a mission-mode approach and encouraging sales through both e-commerce and traditional methods. She underscored ODOP as a transformative initiative by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, encompassing approximately 761 products across various states and targeting not only international markets but also the nation’s domestic market.
Highlighting the distinctiveness of Indian products known for their craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and linkages, Dr. Bhullar drew parallels with Germany and Italy, renowned for their fashionable products. She reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to quality and its dedication to providing support for local entrepreneurs through comprehensive forward and backward linkages.
Under the ODOP initiative, every product, from Kutch to Arunachal Pradesh and from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, is identified, showcasing India’s rich diversity. Dr. Bhullar emphasized that supporting organic and rural products goes beyond contributing to the economy; it actively contributes to sustainable lives and the social fabric of the nation.
The inclusion of Geographical Indication (GI) alongside the diverse culture and tradition of every district plays a crucial role in authenticating products and preserving cultural heritage. Dr. Bhullar concluded by stating that this aligns with the goal of achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat, where self-reliance is rooted in indigenous products and traditions.
T Koshy, MD & CEO of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), presented insights into the unique initiative, highlighting its unprecedented growth. He reported that within 12 months, ONDC witnessed a significant increase from 1200 transactions and 500 merchandise in January to an impressive 5 million transactions and 2.5 lakh merchandise.
Koshy described ONDC as a groundbreaking idea initiated by the Government of India, aimed at creating an open and inclusive digital commerce ecosystem. The focus is on providing a standardized digital infrastructure to facilitate effective participation in e-commerce, promoting fair competition, innovation, and consumer choice. Koshy emphasized that ONDC is part of India’s broader efforts to empower local businesses and establish a level playing field in the digital economy, envisioning a transformative future in the coming years.
Vishal Dhingra, Chair of the Foreign Trade and Investment Committee, provided the industry perspective, emphasizing that while the world has been purchasing Indian handicrafts for decades, many products with significant potential remain under commercialized. ONDC, he believes, will provide a substantial boost, creating opportunities for increased numbers and financial gains in the market.
The conference concluded with Sanjay Beswal, Co-Chair of the Foreign Trade and Investment Committee, PHDCCI, delivering the closing remarks and expressing gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions.
