Vocal for Local initiative

• 14 Mar 2024

Source: PIB

Recently, the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) launched the 'Vocal for Local' initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

• Initiative aims to boost sustainable growth by showcasing indigenous products through 'Aakanksha.' A dedicated window on the GeM portal facilitates e-commerce for local products.
  • As a part of this initiative, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated under Aakanksha.
• The CEO of NITI Aayog urged district collectors and block-level officials to collaborate with partners such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to facilitate sustainable growth of microenterprises in Aspirational Blocks.
• The ABP is a development initiative announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, it aims to provide direction, guidance, and support for social and economic advancement in the most underdeveloped regions in India and to direct development benefits towards marginalised and vulnerable sections of the population.

Read more: Aspirational Blocks Programme