Bhubaneswar, Jan 27 (KNN) The State Government of Odisha has introduced the Odisha Public Procurement Preference Policy 2023, to support and propel the growth of Odisha Small Manufacturing Enterprises (OSMEs).

The Odisha Public Procurement Preference Policy entails several salient features aimed at fostering the local manufacturing sector.

The primary focus is to procure all goods manufactured by the state's Small Manufacturing Enterprises.

Goods produced by Odisha State Manufacturing Enterprises covered under the rate contract rule of 2014 are mandated to be procured from the rate contract holding units.

Furthermore, the government is in the process of identifying a list of store items exclusively to be procured from local Odisha Small Manufacturing Enterprises through limited tenders, exempt from open tender procedures.

For goods not covered under the rate contract and exclusive list, procurement will occur through open tender procedures, with Price and Purchase Preference extended to Odisha Small Manufacturing Enterprises participating in the process.

This dynamic government policy is expected to serve as a significant motivator for existing Small Manufacturing Enterprises. It fulfils a long-awaited demand of local entrepreneurs, showcasing the government's commitment to supporting and empowering the local business community.

After an 8-year wait, this policy has finally come to fruition, and the MSME fraternity expresses gratitude to Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, Minister of MSME Department, Pratap Keshari Dev, Principal Secretary of MSME Department Shaswat Mishra, and all other officials involved.

Representatives of the Joint Action Committee of Industry Associations, including Smarjit Mohanty, Chairman-OSSIA, Satwik Swain, General Secretary-OASME, Abani Kanungo, Chairman OIA, Bijay Kumar Mohanty, General Secretary -OIA, Subrata Garabdu, Chairman-Upama, warmly welcomed this initiative by the state government.

(KNN Bureau)