Context: NITI Aayog has launched Vocal for Local Initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Program.
About Vocal for Local Initiative
- Under the initiative, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated under the brand of Aakansha.
- Aakansha will be an umbrella brand which could be supplemented into multiple sub-brands.
- Logo for 'Aakansha' was unveiled under the 'Vocal for Local' initiative.
- A dedicated window for Aspirational Blocks Program under the brand name 'Aakansha' will be established on GeM portal. GeM portal will provide technical and operational support for the facilitation of e-commerce onboarding, establishing linkages, financial/digital literacy, documentation/certification and skill enhancement etc.
Significance of Vocal for Local Initiative
- Bolstering local economies.
- Fostering grassroots entrepreneurship
- Encourage a spirit of self-reliance among Aspirational Blocks
- Provide a conducive ecosystem for local businesses to flourish
- Realising full potential of every Aspirational Block.