- Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated seven years of the SWAYATT initiative, highlighting its role in promoting inclusive public procurement for underrepresented sellers.
About SWAYATT (Startups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions)
- SWAYATT is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), launched in 2019 to democratise public procurement.
- Nodal Agency: The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under MoCI administers the initiative.
- Objective: It improves access to markets, finance, and value addition for smaller local sellers to participate in GeM procurement.
- Beneficiaries: SWAYATT targets start-ups, women entrepreneurs, youth, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Storefronts: Dedicated storefronts like “Womaniya” for women-led enterprises and “Startup Runway” for innovative start-ups enhance visibility for smaller sellers on GeM.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
- GeM is India’s national procurement portal for common-use goods and services used by government departments, organisations, and PSUs.
- Launch: The portal was launched in 2016, replacing the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) procurement system.
- Operator: The GeM Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the MoCI operates the platform.
- Nature: It functions as a completely cashless, paperless, and contactless e-marketplace with minimal human interface.
- Mandate: Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017 mandates central ministries and departments to procure available goods and services through GeM.
- Transparency: Seller identities remain hidden until bid opening to prevent collusion.
- Registration: Any legally registered business possessing GST registration and PAN can register to sell on GeM.
Source: (PIB)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SWAYATT initiative?
SWAYATT (Startups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions) is a government initiative to promote inclusive public procurement through the GeM portal.
When was the SWAYATT initiative launched?
SWAYATT was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to support underrepresented sellers.
What is the objective of the SWAYATT initiative?
SWAYATT aims to improve access to markets, finance, and procurement opportunities for small and local sellers.
Which platform implements the SWAYATT initiative?
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform administers and implements the SWAYATT initiative.
What is Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?
GeM is India’s national online procurement portal for government departments, organisations, and public sector units.
