ONDC launches WhatsApp Bot ‘Sahayak’ to provide language support to small sellers

The government-promoted Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a decentralised digital platform for e-commerce marketplaces, has launched `Sahayak’ a Whatsapp Bot that is available in 5 languages, with plans to make it availble in 22 languages.

The platform uses Bhashini AI to improve app development and e-commerce in all vernacular languades in the country.

A non-profit entity constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the union commerce ministry, ONDC facilitates the setting up of open network for the exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.

ONDC provides a decentralised, but interoperable network. facilitating customer acquisition and transaction processing without having to invest in building a stamdalone e-commerce platform. It also facilitates direct interactions between buyers and sellers across various marketplaces on the platforms, providing multiple choises.

This is because any ONDC-compliant seller application is open to all ONDC-compliant buyer applications. This, in turn helps to enhance market access and reduce customer acquisition cost for the digitally underserved and unserved sellers and buyers.

ONDC leverages fintech, mobile devices and other digital platforms to expand user base, thereby helping sellers to wade into a broader customer pool. The ease of acquiring customers and the increased number of sellers on the platform helps reduce transaction cost for both seller and the buyer.

ONDC is intended to help small businesses, retailers, artisans, and suppliers and is being supported by varios ministries and depatments of the central and state governments.

ONDC provides training and capacity building programmes for small businesses and local sellers to enjoy the benefit of digital commerce.