Tue Sep 10 00:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Bureaucrat R S Sharma Takes Helm of India’s Open E-Commerce Platform ONDC
**New Delhi:** Retired bureaucrat R S Sharma has been appointed as the Chairman of India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a project aimed at democratizing e-commerce in the country. Sharma, known for his leadership roles in organizations like the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the National Health Authority, brings a wealth of experience to the position.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. RS Sharma as the Non-Executive Chairperson of ONDC,” stated the platform in a tweet. “Under his leadership, we’re ready to unlock the next phase of exponential acceleration and adoption.”
ONDC, launched in Beta stage in September 2022, aims to create a decentralized e-commerce ecosystem by connecting buyers, sellers, and logistics providers through a network-based approach. “India’s digital public infrastructure enables ONDC to work,” Sharma explained. “AI, deep learning, and LLMs are being tapped to understand support for ONDC.”
Sharma also highlighted the importance of engaging developers and innovators to address the challenges faced by stakeholders on the platform. He emphasized India’s commitment to developing scalable, interoperable, and frugal solutions that cater to the needs of its vast population.
The appointment comes alongside the formation of a 14-member advisory council, featuring representatives from industry bodies like CAIT and RAI, as well as organizations like NPCI, NSDL, and Digital India Foundation. This council will provide guidance and expertise to ONDC in its mission to revolutionize e-commerce in India.
First Piper 