Railways to introduce clause in procurement process to promote local suppliers

Railways is set to introduce a clause for promoting local content in its procurement process so that it gets more bids from local vendors/suppliers to give a boost to government's mission Atma Nirbhar Bharat, a statement from national transporter said on Saturday.

It said that Railway ministry has sought support of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to make suitable policy revisions, if required.  "In a review meeting held today (Saturday) for steps to promote Make in India products in procurement process, it was emphasised to increase participation of local vendors in procurement process," statement said.

Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal reviewed steps to promote Make in India products in procurement process of Indian Railways as well as government of India, it said.

During meeting, Goyal urged to take measures to generate confidence in industry of corruption free and transparent procurement environment on Indian Railways.

While reviewing steps to promote Make in India products in procurement process, it was emphasised to increase participation of local vendors in procurement process.  "Local content clause in procurement should be such that we may get more bids from local vendors/suppliers. This would also give a boost to mission Atma Nirbhar Bharat," statement said.

Active support of DPIIT was sought to make suitable policy revisions, if required, to facilitate efforts of Indian Railways in this direction, it said.

"It was felt that encourment needs to be given to such vendors who can supply higher locally manufactured content. It was also suggested to create a FAQ section and a helpline number so that vendors may get clarity on various issues relating to procurement process," statement said.

Detailed presentation was made by member (materials manment), railway board on enhancing Make in India and steps being taken to procure through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) along with progress made.

Goyal emphasised on need to do Railway goods and services procurement of approximately Rs 70,000 crore on GeM platform to open up market to industry even at remote places and specially MSMEs.

During meeting, it was decided that Railways would work more towards having a user-friendly single step vendor web based interface for all its activities.

website should, transparently, provide every interested vendor a clear idea of how to do business with Indian Railways. It should also have all relevant information to generate confidence of corruption free and transparent environment on Indian Railways.

(Photo Credit: PTI)