DPIIT promotes e-commerce in J&K, urges startups to join ONDC platform

Amid concerted efforts to modernize commerce across Jammu & Kashmir, DPIIT urged local startups to leverage opportunities presented by initiatives like ONDC. Speaking at an event organized by JKEDI reviewing the progress of startups in the region, Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh highlighted how networks such as ONDC could help democratize e-commerce and boost participation of sellers from the state.

Singh impressed upon startups to onboard ONDC which aims to connect buyers and sellers online in an open public network. He believes this will help connect local artisans with a global market, mentioning how 112 Indian toy manufacturers recently gained access to Walmart’s global supply chain. Singh urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the growing Indian consumer base as well as have more control over domestic supply chains.

The event saw participation from incubators and university startups working in various domains including logistics, e-commerce, agriculture-tech, healthcare, tourism and clean energy. Singh advised entrepreneurs to tap into the booming tourism sector and leverage cricket’s popularity by exploring manufacturing of cricket gear. He emphasized understanding market dynamics to identify viable opportunities.

Startups shared challenges of competing nationally. JKEDI, the state startup promotion body, is committed to supporting such initiatives that can revolutionize commerce and boost the local economy through entrepreneurship and digitization. With focused interventions, Jammu & Kashmir’s startup ecosystem appears set for transformational growth.