In an effort to encourage self-reliance and sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog on Wednesday launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative as part of the Aspirational Blocks Programme.

The initiative aims to bolster local economies and promote grassroots entrepreneurship.

It is being implemented in partnership with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platforms.

GeM and ONDC will provide technical and operational support for e-commerce onboarding, establishing linkages, enhancing financial and digital literacy, facilitating documentation and certification, and promoting skill development, among other supportive measures.

A dedicated window under the brand named ‘Aakanksha’ has been created on the GeM portal, showcasing indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks.

Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, unveiled the logo for ‘Aakanksha’ in the presence of B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog. The launch was virtually attended by 329 district and block-level officials participating in the Aspirational Blocks Programme.