The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry recently launched an initiative titled SWAYATT. The objective of this initiative is to promote start-ups, women and youth advantage through e-transactions on Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This move aims to integrate the key stakeholders within the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem to the government’s national procurement portal.
Introduction to SWAYATT
SWAYATT stands for Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions. This initiative has been designed to provide a platform for these three crucial sections of the entrepreneurial ecosystem to leverage the opportunities provided by the Government’s e-Marketplace. The goal is to foster a conducive environment for start-ups, women entrepreneurs, and the youth to thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
The GeM Start-up Runway Initiative
Accompanying SWAYATT, another initiative named GeM Start-up Runway was launched in partnership with Start -up India. Its purpose is to serve as a facilitator for start-ups registered with Start -up India to gain access to the public procurement market and sell their innovative products and services to government buyers. The emphasis lies in supporting technology development, spurring research and innovation, and ensuring a conducive policy environment for industrial diversification and commodity value addition.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, which calls for the building of resilient infrastructure, facilitating inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
Established in 2016, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online market platform that facilitates the procurement of goods and services by various governmental bodies, including ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings (PSUs). It is envisioned as India’s national procurement portal.
| Year of Establishment | Developed By | Functioning Under |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) with technical support from National e-Governance Division (Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology) | Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D), Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
GeM – A Step Towards Digitalization
GeM is a fully digital, cashless, and system-driven e-marketplace that enables the procurement of commonly used goods and services with minimal human interface. The digital setup of GeM aims to eliminate bureaucracy, streamline processes, and bring transparency, efficiency and speed to the public procurement process. Its mission aligns with the nation’s broader goal of promoting digitization in various governmental operations.
