The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 29, 2023
In a significant effort to encourage the involvement of Odisha-based micro and small industries in government procurement, the GeM Conclave was successfully organized in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
A momentous step towards fostering an enabling environment for domestic businesses and promoting entrepreneurship in Odisha was taken when the Secretary of Utkal Chamber of Commerce, representatives from WTC, Secretary General of Odisha Assembly of Small & Medium Enterprises, and the President of Odisha Small Scale Industries Association (OSSIA) participated in the signing of MoUs with GeM.
Speaking on the occasion, GeM CEO Prashant Kumar Singh highlighted the platform’s efforts to streamline the seller onboarding process while ensuring transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in tender participation. He lauded the achievements of Odisha-based MSEs (Micro and Small Enterprises) and acknowledged the unwavering support from the Finance Department, MSME Department, and other State Departments in making GeM their preferred public procurement portal.
Addressing the gathering, Odisha MSME Department Principal Secretary Saswat Mishra expressed appreciation for the business opportunities that Odisha MSEs have received through the GeM portal from both Odisha State Government and Central Government/other State Governments.
While commending GeM for providing an end-to-end online procurement solution, simplifying and bringing transparency to government procurement processes, he urged Odisha-based sellers and service providers to register on the GeM portal to participate in various tenders published on the portal.
Speaking on the occasion, UCCIL Honorary Secretary AK Sharda promised to make the best use of the UCCIL platform in popularizing and promoting MSEs for registering on the GeM to get the maximum benefit of providing sales and services to the Government procurement.
During the conclave, over 100 MSEs were successfully onboarded on the GeM portal free of cost. Additionally, Sudhansu Pradhan, Business Facilitator for GeM in Odisha, provided training to MSEs, guiding them on selling their goods and services through the GeM portal.
The GeM Conclave in Bhubaneswar marked a significant step forward in fostering the growth of micro and small industries in Odisha and strengthening their participation in government procurement.
GeM also felicitated the Department of Finance, Department of Health (NHM & OSMCL), Odisha Police, E&IT (OCAC), and Skill Development Department for their outstanding performance in public procurement and continued support to GeM.
An appreciation ceremony honored Odisha MSEs in various categories, such as Highest Order value, SC/ST Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, and Women Entrepreneurs.
