SWAYATT initiative
Context:
Recently, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated six years of the SWAYATT (Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through eTransactions) initiative.
- The program was instrumental in enhancing the participation of women entrepreneurs, startups, and youth in public procurement.
- It was launched in 2019.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
What is the SWAYATT Initiative?
- SWAYATT is a social inclusion initiative under GeM that aims to integrate startups, women-led enterprises, and youth into the formal procurement ecosystem.
- It promotes ease of doing business by offering direct access to government buyers, eliminating middlemen, and ensuring fair pricing.
- The initiative also provides training, onboarding support, and market linkages to last-mile sellers, particularly from marginalized and backward sections.
Key Highlights of SWAYATT
- Market Access & Growth:
- Women entrepreneurs constitute 8% of the total sellers on GeM.
- Over 1.77 lakh Udyam-verified women-led micro & small enterprises (MSEs) are registered on the platform.
- ₹46,615 crore worth of orders have been fulfilled by women entrepreneurs.
- Startup & Youth Empowerment:
- 29,000+ startups onboarded under the “Startup Runway” initiative.
- Startups have secured government orders worth ₹35,950 crore through GeM.
- The goal is to onboard 1 lakh DPIIT-registered startups to strengthen procurement diversity.
- Strategic Partnerships:
- Collaboration with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO) to provide direct access to government buyers.
- Focus on training, advocacy, and financial linkages for women-led MSEs, SHGs, and FPOs.
- Future Vision:
- Doubling the number of women entrepreneurs on GeM.
- Increasing women’s share in total procurement from 3.78% to a higher percentage through enhanced participation.
- Strengthening digital and financial access for marginalized sellers.
Conclusion:
SWAYATT’s impact in democratizing procurement and fostering inclusive entrepreneurship showcases the power of digital platforms in economic development. With strategic collaborations and capacity-building efforts, GeM is set to become a key enabler of equitable public procurement in India.
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