Sustainable procurement of India's approach is still in a nascent stage, with significant room for improvement despite existing policy frameworks and growing private sector interest. While the Indian government has initiated sustainable procurement policies, particularly in public sector spending (which represents a large portion of GDP), implementation often lags due to a lack of comprehensive frameworks, insufficient awareness, weak monitoring, and a perception of higher costs. However, increasing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is driving the private sector to adopt more sustainable practices, fostering opportunities for inclusion and long-term impact within supply chains.

 Sustainable procurement of India's approach is still in a nascent stage, with significant room for improvement despite existing policy frameworks and growing private sector interest. While the Indian government has initiated sustainable procurement policies, particularly in public sector spending (which represents a large portion of GDP), implementation often lags due to a lack of comprehensive frameworks, insufficient awareness, weak monitoring, and a perception of higher costs. However, increasing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is driving the private sector to adopt more sustainable practices, fostering opportunities for inclusion and long-term impact within supply chains. 
Key Aspects and Progress:-
Policy Frameworks: -
India has established policies like the National Environment Policy (2006) and has incorporated rules in the General Financial Rules to promote environmentally sound and socially inclusive procurement, such as purchase preferences for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). 
Public Sector Initiatives:-
 The government uses public procurement to advance social goals (e.g., favoring MSMEs) and environmental goals (e.g., mandating procurement of energy-efficient appliances). 
Private Sector Growth:-
 A strong demand for sustainable procurement knowledge is evident in the private sector, with companies increasingly incorporating sustainable practices to meet ESG targets and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
Digital Platforms: -
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is seen as a game-changer, providing a platform to promote sustainable and inclusive procurement. 
Challenges and Gaps:
Limited Integration:-
 Sustainability is often treated as a minor aspect rather than a central focus in procurement regulations and practices. 
Lack of Comprehensive Frameworks: -
There's a need for more sector-specific and comprehensive frameworks, especially for areas like energy procurement. 
Awareness and Skills:-
 Many stakeholders are unaware of how to integrate sustainability into procurement, and there's a lack of skills and capacity in this area. 
Weak Monitoring: -
Ineffective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms hinder widespread adoption and compliance. 
Cost Perception: -
A perception that sustainable procurement is more expensive can be a barrier to its adoption. 
Opportunities:-
Leveraging Public Spending: -
With a significant portion of India's GDP tied to public procurement (20-22%), the public sector can powerfully drive sustainable consumption and production. 
Driving Supply Chain Sustainability: -
Companies can leverage their procurement strategies to foster inclusion and long-term impact by working with social enterprises, CBOs, and MSMEs. 
Achieving National Goals: -
Sustainable procurement is a crucial tool for India to meet global commitments like the Paris Agreement and reduce pollution. 
MJF Lion ER YK Sharma 

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