Around 500 representatives from Industries across the country participated in the vendor meet organized by the research wing of Indian Railways, Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) in Lucknow today. The special Mega Vendor Meet was held to expand vendor base and spread information on greater business opportunities in Railways Sector.

Further, detailed presentation on Online Vendor Approval process of RDSO and steps taken for enhancement for “Ease of doing Business” and details of items having less than three (3) sources was given. It was informed that, RDSO has already initiated some measures to encourage vendors to register themselves for RDSO controlled items with less than three sources. For example, registration charges for items with less than three sources has been reduced from Rs. 1,50,000/- to Rs. 10,000/- for micro/small enterprises and from Rs. 2,50,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- for others. Moreover, product testing charges shall also be borne by RDSO for such items.

Key industry representatives were also invited to speak on this occasion to give their views/ suggestions on Vendor Approval System, which have been taken note of for resolution.

Physical display of several of the items having less than three sources was also done in the meet, for providing a good clarity to the prospective bidders.

One-to-one interaction of Industry with senior officials of RDSO was also to give good insight about the various products and vendor approval process.

As part of the event, Chairman Railway Board Shri V.K. Yadav also addressed the participants and delegates through video conferencing and exhorted the industry fraternity to be a partner in progress of Indian Railway and strengthening IR’s supply chain. He said that without support from Industry, IR could not perform. Success of Indian Railways goes hand in hand with success of Industry. He asked industry to tell what more is required by them. He said we are trying to streamline the complete cycle of purchase from vendor registration to e-procurement to product inspection to payment. He however, cautioned that we need quality product and poor quality shall lead to de-registration. After de-registration, registration shall be made very difficult.

The Chief Guest for the meet Addl. Member /Stores/Railway Board, Shri O.P.Khare said that huge industry participation in this vendor meet is beyond imagination. Considering the size of the country, it is surprising that there are several items with less than three approved sources; at the same time it is an opportunity for industry. He said Indian Railways is growing fast, but this is not possible without active support from industry. This will go a long way towards “Make in India” programme of the government. He said RDSO’s efforts must be appreciated and industry should take full advantage for mutual benefit of both.

Sh. Virendra Kumar, DG/RDSO in his speech talked about the various steps taken by RDSO to expand the vendor base, especially of items having less than three Vendors and enhancement in doing ease of business, in line with Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ programme. This will bring competitiveness and reduce cost of procurement and cost of service.  He said that as a result of proactive action taken by RDSO, average time for registration has reduced significantly.  At the same time, about double the number of vendors are doing registration on RDSO portal.

He also apprised the august gathering that we have set up a monitoring system for addressing and solving grievance and complaint from vendors.  He promised to the participants from Industry that if you are fair, we shall be fair. Together, we can succeed.

Overall the meet was a roaring success, which witnessed enthusiastic participation of Industry Fraternity from across India and will go a long way in fulfilling the stated objective of Expanding Vendor Base of Indian Railways.

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KSP/AP

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