MoRD, PCI India Partner to Unleash Women's Economic Power Through Public Procurement Strategy

MoRD, PCI India Partner to Unleash Women's Economic Power Through Public Procurement Strategy​

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has formalized a three-year partnership with Project Concern International (PCI) India to drastically strengthen women-led enterprises (WLEs). This collaboration focuses specifically on enabling Self-Help Group (SHG)-led enterprises to successfully access public and institutional procurement markets. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, held under the chairmanship of Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, marked a significant step in empowering rural women across India.

The partnership formalizes an initiative that began in 2022, titled "Leveraging Public Procurement for Women's Economic Empowerment." This collaboration is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The core objective is enhancing the participation of WLEs and SHG enterprises in government procurement through dedicated enterprise readiness and capacity building.

Institutionalizing Market Linkages for Rural Women​

The MoU establishes a critical framework to bridge the gap between rural production and institutional demand. This three-year, non-financial commitment (2026-2029) involves no financial obligation or transfer of funds between either party. Instead, it focuses on building robust operational structures and technical support systems.

A key output of this partnership will be the establishment of a National Resource Cell (NRC)/Public Procurement and Business Model Support Cell within DAY-NRLM. PCI India is slated to provide comprehensive technical assistance to bolster this newly formed Cell. This mechanism aims to create strong, procurement-linked enterprise ecosystems across all State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs).

Comprehensive Capacity Building and Enterprise Readiness​

The partnership framework is designed to deliver holistic support beyond basic market access. It will facilitate the creation of necessary operational toolkits, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and standardized capacity-building modules. These tools are crucial for scaling up micro-enterprises into competitive market players.

A major component involves intensive training and handholding for SHG enterprises and SRLM teams. This support covers Government e-Marketplace (GeM) onboarding procedures, proper tender participation, maintaining quality standards, compliance documentation, and all facets of procurement rules.

Targeted Implementation Across Key States​

Initial focused technical assistance under the collaboration is planned across several key states to ensure deep impact. These states include Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The implementation plan also accounts for enabling wider engagement with other interested states in subsequent phases.

The initiative will move beyond basic training to explore sustainable enterprise models. This includes integrating renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable production practices. The partnership aims to foster convergence between WLEs and relevant government agencies for maximum benefit.

A Step Towards Viksit Bharat 2047​

This MoU represents a pivotal institutional step towards ensuring SHG enterprises can reliably access public procurement markets. By providing structured technical support, the collaboration helps build businesses that are both sustainable and scalable. It directly aligns with DAY-NRLM’s objective of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis through market-linked livelihoods.

The partnership contributes meaningfully to broader national goals including Viksit Bharat 2047 and India's Net Zero aspirations. By promoting inclusive, sustainable, and market-oriented livelihood opportunities for rural women, the collaboration strengthens rural economic resilience nationwide.