VOCAL FOR LOCAL INITIATIVE

Why in News?

The Union Department of Consumer Affairs released draft rules proposing mandatory “searchable and sortable” filters on e-commerce platforms to display the country of origin of packaged commodities sold online, aiming to boost consumer transparency and support ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives.

Description:

• Implementing Authority:
  • NITI Aayog under Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
• Objective:
  • To encourage self-reliance, promote local products, and enable sustainable growth & prosperity at grassroots level.
• Coverage:
  • Local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been identified & mapped.
• Brand Integration:
  • These products are consolidated under an umbrella brand called Aakanksha.
  • Aakanksha can have multiple sub-brands with potential for international market outreach.
• e-Procurement Support:
  • A dedicated Aakanksha window has been created on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
• Support Provided:
  • Technical & operational support for:
    • e-commerce onboarding
    • market linkages
    • digital/financial literacy
    • certifications/documentation
    • skill enhancement

Government e-Marketplace (GeM):

• Launched: 2016
• Ministry: Commerce & Industry
• Purpose: Online procurement platform for govt departments/PSUs.
• Mandatory procurement: Under GFR 2017.
• Ownership: GeM SPV → 100% Govt-owned, not-for-profit company under Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Aspirational Blocks Programme:

• Modelled on Aspirational District Programme (2018)
• Target: 500 blocks in 31 States/UTs
• Aim: Improve socio-economic indicators in lagging blocks.
• Highest Count (major share in 6 states):UP: 68,Bihar: 61,MP: 42,Jharkhand: 34,Odisha: 29,West Bengal: 29.

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