Government e-commerce platform GeM introduced 'Make in India' filter
Accordingly Make in india is not just a slogan anymore, it has become an e-commerce site filter. In a significant move, the government has introduced special filters on government procurement portal government e-Marketplace (GeM) that would inform the buyer what’s made in india, what is not, as well as the percentage of local content in each listed product. The filter may soon be introduced on private e-commerce websites like amazon and flipkart as well. The GeM has issued orders that it is now mandatory for all sellers to mention the 'Country of Origin' while registering new products. In the case of products that have already been uploaded, relevant sellers have been asked to update the country of origin entry. If they fail to do so, they would be evicted from the crucial government procurement portal.
Buyers can pick products that fit the minimum 50 per cent local content criteria. Registered sellers, with products that have over 50 per cent local content, will be categorised as Class I local suppliers. Sellers, marketing products with 20-50 per cent local content, will be listed as Class II local suppliers. The department and government entities, who place the bids below Rs 200 crore value on the GeM, would be empowered to give preferential treatment to Class I suppliers. And these bids may be open only for the two categories of suppliers.
The stated purpose of the move by the government is to promote PM Modi’s pet Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. But the Make in india filter will also help buyers make a learned choice. The GeM portal was launched four years ago for the purchase of products and services ranging from office stationery to official vehicles online by all the central and state departments and ministries, central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) and central paramilitary forces (CPMFs). The GeM was launched as a single window to an entire range of products and sellers competing to improve cost-effectiveness, efficiency and transparent procurement. The government said that the platform, during the last three months, has helped state governments, departments and public enterprises to procure a lot of products needed to battle Covid-19.