Rural Development Minister launches Saras collection on GeM portal

News: Rural Development Minister launched the Saras collection on Government e Marketplace (GeM) portal

Facts:

• The Saras collection showcases daily utility products made by rural self-help groups. 
• It is an initiative of Government e Marketplace (GeM) and the DeenDayalAntyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
• Aim: To provide markets in rural areas with access to Central and State Government buyers.
• Significance: It will reduce human interventions in procurement and enable transparency, cost savings, inclusiveness and efficiency.

Additional Facts:

Government e Marketplace:

• It  is an online marketplace setup in 2016 for procurement of commonly used goods and services by government ministries,departments and CPSEs.
• It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.
• It is a National Procurement Portal of India.It functions under Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D),Ministry of Commerce and Industry.