SWAYATT Initiative on GeM Celebrates 6 Years of Transformative Impact

SWAYATT Initiative on GeM marks 6 years of transformative impact since its launch in 2019. This initiative is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Paper 2 and 3, as it highlights government efforts in economic inclusivity and empowerment. Last Updated: 2025-02-27

Key Facts About SWAYATT Initiative

• Launched in 2019 to enhance market access for women entrepreneurs, youth, and MSEs.
• Women-led enterprises increased from 6,300 to 177,786 Udyam-verified MSEs.
• Women businesses constitute 8% of GeM’s seller base.
• Facilitated orders worth ₹35,950 Crore from startups.
• Aims to double the number of women entrepreneurs and increase procurement share.
• MoU signed with FICCI-FLO to train over 9,500 women entrepreneurs.
• Introduced “Startup Runway” and “Womaniya” storefronts for visibility.
• GeM serves as a public procurement portal for Central and State Governments.
• Established in 2016 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• GeM is a paperless, cashless, and system-driven platform.
• Minimizes human intervention in public procurement.
• SWAYATT initiative promotes inclusivity in public procurement.
• GeM continues to enhance participation of diverse groups.
• 6th anniversary celebrated, highlighting impact on women's growth.
• Focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and startups.
• GeM aims for further economic growth in India.

India's Economic Inclusivity Through Public Procurement

The SWAYATT initiative is a testament to India's commitment to economic inclusivity, aligning with strategic goals to empower marginalized groups. By facilitating significant growth in women-led enterprises and startups, it contributes to India's economic diversity. The initiative's success is reflected in its substantial procurement figures and international comparisons in promoting women entrepreneurship.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Startup India: Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship among startups.
• Stand-Up India: Supports women and SC/ST entrepreneurs in setting up enterprises.
• Make in India: Aims to boost manufacturing and create jobs in India.

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
GS Paper 3: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it, public procurement.
Prelims: Questions on the launch year, objectives, and key features of SWAYATT and GeM.
Mains: Analytical themes on economic inclusivity, women empowerment, and startup ecosystem.
Essay Paper: Topics on gender equality and economic empowerment.

FAQ Section

• What is the SWAYATT Initiative?
  The SWAYATT Initiative, launched in 2019, aims to enhance market access for women entrepreneurs, youth, and MSEs through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• Why is the SWAYATT Initiative important?
  It is crucial for promoting inclusivity in public procurement, significantly increasing women-led enterprises and facilitating orders worth ₹35,950 Crore from startups.
• What are the key features of the SWAYATT Initiative?
  Key features include the introduction of “Startup Runway” and “Womaniya” storefronts, MoU with FICCI-FLO for training women entrepreneurs, and a focus on doubling women entrepreneurs in GeM.