The Chief Secretary called for on -boarding local service providers such as electricians and plumbers
Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to bring small and nano businesses on the national digital marketplace through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a tech-driven initiative launched by the Ministry of Commerce in April 2022.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday held a high-level meeting with the ONDC CEO and other senior officials to explore ways to expand e-commerce in the region.
The Chief Secretary called for on -boarding local service providers such as electricians and plumbers and directed the Labour & Employment Department to roll out a hyper-local delivery system to support small enterprises.
Dulloo said the move could help drive digital inclusion and empower grassroots entrepreneurs.
Local traders and entrepreneurs welcomed the initiative, but expressed measured optimism, citing the need for better management.
“It is a welcome step. ONDC could prove a good platform for distribution for, brands, artisans, groups and suppliers”, said Muheet Mehraj, a young Valley based entrepreneur and CEO of Kashmir Box, an ecommerce platform.
However, he said that integrating businesses into digital platforms alone would not be sufficient.
“We need to strengthen and optimise our supply chain to fully leverage the potential of ONDC,” he said.
He added that the government’s role is primarily that of a facilitator, and its involvement has certain limits.
“ONDC can provide visibility to products, but a lot of the responsibility lies with the industry, particularly in managing inventory,” Mehraj noted.
much need push
Qazi Touseef, spokesperson of the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), said that the business landscape underwent a massive transformation post-COVID, shifting from physical to digital platforms.
“Valley-based products need global accreditation,” Touseef said, adding that handicrafts such as Pashmina shawls and carpets have a market across the world.
He said Kashmir has long lagged behind in the digital marketplace, but the introduction of ONDC could provide the much-needed push.
However, Touseef said that it shouldn’t be a symbolic move alone. Both businesses and the government must approach it with seriousness and intent.
“To truly reap the benefits, they need to mean business and ensure robust implementation on the ground”, he added.
Published on July 15, 2025
