MP Varsha Gaikwad Urges President’s Intervention for Effective Implementation of SC/ST Procurement Policy

Mumbai- Mumbai North Central Member of Parliament, Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, has formally appealed to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention to ensure the strict and uniform implementation of the Government of India's Public Procurement Policy for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs.

In a communication addressed to the President, Prof. Gaikwad highlighted that the central policy mandates that a minimum of 10% of the value of all government purchases and tenders be sourced from SC/ST entrepreneurs. She noted that the policy was framed with the noble objective of fostering inclusive economic growth, encouraging entrepreneurship among marginalized communities, and ensuring their equitable participation in national development.

However, the MP expressed concern that while the policy has been formally adopted at the central level, its implementation at the state level remains inconsistent and, in several instances, is largely ignored. "Consequently, SC/ST entrepreneurs are not receiving their due share, and the objectives of social and economic empowerment envisioned by this policy remain largely unfulfilled," the letter stated.

Prof. Gaikwad has requested the President’s office to take up the matter with the Government of India. She urged for directives to be issued to all concerned ministries, departments, and state governments to ensure strict and uniform compliance across the country.

Her suggestions to enhance the policy's effectiveness included monitoring compliance, creating awareness among procurement authorities, and facilitating capacity-building programs for SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Stressing the significance of the matter, the MP stated that intervention from the highest constitutional office would be a crucial step towards promoting inclusive growth and empowering marginalized communities, thereby ensuring the policy achieves its intended purpose.