Context: According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) recently marked seven years of the SWAYATT initiative, underscoring its role in promoting inclusive and equitable public procurement. The initiative focuses on integrating start-ups, women entrepreneurs, youth, and small enterprises into government procurement processes.
About SWAYATT Initiative
SWAYATT (Startups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions) is a flagship initiative launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI). It aims to democratise public procurement by enabling underrepresented sellers to access government markets through digital platforms.
Key Features
- Nodal Agency: Implemented through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
- Objective: Improve access to markets, finance, and value addition opportunities for smaller and emerging businesses.
- Target Beneficiaries:
- Start-ups
- Women entrepreneurs
- Youth-led enterprises
- Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Special Digital Storefronts
To enhance visibility for smaller sellers, GeM hosts dedicated sections such as:
- Womaniya – Promotes women-led enterprises and products.
- Startup Runway – Enables innovative start-ups to showcase new products and technologies to government buyers.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is India’s national online procurement portal used by government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and organisations to purchase goods and services.
- Launch Year: 2016
- Purpose: Replace the earlier Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) procurement system.
- Operator: GeM Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Digital Architecture:
- Cashless
- Paperless
- Contactless platform with minimal human interface.
Regulatory Mandate
- Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017 mandates central ministries and departments to procure available goods and services through GeM.
Transparency and Access
- Bid Anonymity: Seller identities remain hidden until bid opening to prevent collusion.
- Open Registration: Any legally registered business with GST and PAN can register and sell on GeM.
Significance of SWAYATT
- Inclusive Growth: Expands economic participation for marginalised entrepreneurs.
- Digital Governance: Uses digital platforms to reduce entry barriers in government procurement.
- Women Empowerment: Dedicated storefronts promote women-led enterprises.
- Startup Ecosystem Support: Enables start-ups to access government buyers and scale innovations.
By integrating smaller enterprises into the procurement ecosystem, SWAYATT strengthens India’s push toward transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven governance.