Why is it in the News?

NITI Aayog on Wednesday launched the 'Vocal for Local' initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme to bolster local economies and foster grassroots-level entrepreneurship, an official statement said.

What is the ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative?

• The 'Vocal for Local' initiative, led by NITI Aayog through its Aspirational Blocks Programme, aims to foster self-reliance and sustainable development.
• Under this initiative, products from 500 aspirational blocks have been curated and unified under the Aakanksha brand.
  • Aakanksha is an overarching brand, with potential extensions into various sub-brands to tap into global markets.
• A dedicated section has been established on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal under the Aakanksha brand to promote these products.
• Additionally, partners in the initiative offer support in areas such as e-commerce facilitation, establishing market linkages, financial and digital literacy, documentation and certification, and skill enhancement.

About Aspirational Blocks Programme:

• Inspired by the Aspirational District Programme launched in 2018, the Aspirational Blocks Programme extends its reach to 112 districts nationwide.
• This new initiative targets the enhancement of underperforming blocks across various development indicators.
• It aims to foster comprehensive growth in regions requiring additional support.
• Initially encompassing 500 districts across 31 States and Union Territories, the programme focuses on blocks in six key states: Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29), and West Bengal (29).

What is the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?

• Established in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) serves as an online platform for public procurement.
• GeM acts as a centralized portal, streamlining the procurement process for common-use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments, Organizations, and PSUs.
• Purchases made through GeM by Government users are mandated by the Ministry of Finance under the General Financial Rules, 2017.
• GeM is operated by GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), a 100% Government-owned, non-profit company operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.