In a recent address at the National Workshop on Sustainable Public Procurement of Services 2023, Sh. Rajiv Srivastava, Addl. CEO & Chief Buyer Officer of Central Buyers at Government e-Marketplace (GeM), highlighted the pivotal role played by GeM in assisting government buyers to achieve their sustainable procurement goals. The workshop, organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) India office, took place at UN House in Delhi.
During his speech, Sh. Rajiv Srivastava shed light on the significance of sustainable procurement and its positive impact on the environment and society. He emphasized that GeM, as a robust and efficient e-commerce platform, acts as a catalyst in promoting sustainable procurement practices among government buyers in India.
GeM, an initiative launched by the Government of India, serves as a unified marketplace for government departments, organizations, and agencies to procure a wide range of goods and services. By leveraging technology and digitization, GeM streamlines the procurement process, ensures transparency, and promotes fair competition.
Sh. Rajiv Srivastava highlighted several key features of GeM that contribute to sustainable procurement. Firstly, the platform encourages government buyers to prioritize environmentally friendly and socially responsible products and services. By providing detailed information about the sustainability attributes of products and services, GeM empowers buyers to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals.
Secondly, GeM promotes the concept of circular economy through initiatives such as refurbishing and recycling. It encourages government buyers to prioritize the procurement of refurbished products, reducing waste generation and promoting resource efficiency. By facilitating the availability of such products on the platform, GeM contributes to the circular economy principles.
Furthermore, Sh. Rajiv Srivastava stressed the importance of promoting sustainable and inclusive business practices through GeM. The platform encourages the participation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women-owned enterprises, and startups, fostering economic empowerment and supporting the government’s objective of building an equitable and resilient economy.
Sh. Rajiv Srivastava concluded his speech by reaffirming GeM’s commitment to sustainability and its continuous efforts to enhance the platform’s capabilities in facilitating sustainable public procurement. He expressed optimism that GeM’s collaborative approach with stakeholders, including UNEP and other governmental and non-governmental organizations, would lead to further advancements in sustainable procurement practices in India.
The address by Sh. Rajiv Srivastava at the National Workshop on Sustainable Public Procurement of Services 2023 underscored GeM’s pivotal role in enabling government buyers to achieve their sustainability objectives. With its user-friendly interface, transparency, and focus on environmental and social responsibility, GeM stands as a significant enabler in promoting sustainable public procurement in India, thereby contributing to a greener and more inclusive future.
