Aabhar Online Store
Why in News?
In a bid to promote local talent, the Indian Railways will patronise the newly launched ‘Aabhar’ online store that will showcase a range of exquisite gift items manufactured by indige-nous tribes, handloom weavers and others com-ing under the ambit of One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) products.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims, Government schemes and initiatives
Objective of the ‘Aabhar’ Initiative
- Promotion of Local Talent: The primary goal is to encourage and promote local artisans, indigenous tribes, handloom weavers, and traditional industries.
- Social Inclusion: The initiative seeks to promote social inclusion and create additional income opportunities for marginalized sections of society.
- ‘Vocal for Local’ Campaign: The store is promoted under the government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ drive.
- Promote Rich Heritage: It aims to showcase and promote India’s rich heritage through handlooms, handicrafts, and artisanal goods, while providing market access to local artisans, rural entrepreneurs, and women-led enterprises.
About the ‘Aabhar’ Online Store
- Host: The store is hosted by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
- Product Focus: It showcases gift items that fall under the ambit of One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) products.
- Sourcing: Products are sourced exclusively from:
- Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE)
- Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
- Various Central and State Handicraft and Handloom Emporiums
- Usage: The store offers a variety of articles and hampers for use in official events, ceremonies, and functions of the Indian Railways.
Related Railways Initiative
- ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP): The railways previously launched the OSOP scheme across its network to provide a market for local/indigenous products, such as artifacts made by indigenous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, and handicrafts like chikankari.
Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
| Feature | Details/Information |
| Launch Date | August 9, 2016 |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India |
| Objective/Mission | To create an open, transparent, efficient, and speedy platform for public procurement of common use Goods & Services by various Government Departments/Organizations/PSUs. |
| Mandate | Procurement of Goods & Services available on GeM is mandatory for Central Ministries/Departments as per Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017. |
| Core Pillars | Transparent, Efficient, and Inclusive (Cashless, Contactless, Paperless) |
| Target Buyers | Central & State Government Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Autonomous Bodies, Local Bodies, etc. |
| Target Sellers | All businesses/individuals, including MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), Startups, Artisans, Weavers, and women entrepreneurs. |
| Key Procurement Tools | Direct Purchase, E-Bidding, Reverse E-Auction, and Demand Aggregation. |
| Cost Savings | Independent studies (like one by the World Bank) have reported an average cost saving in government procurement of nearly 10% through GeM. |
| Special Initiatives for Inclusivity | GeM Start-up Runway (for startups) and SWAYATT (for Startups, Women, and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions). |
| Payment System | Integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for secure and timely payments. |
| Key Advantage | Provides a level playing field for small local sellers/MSMEs to participate in government procurement on a national scale. |