The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Government of India enterprise, recently organized a Vendor Development Programme (VDP) to strengthen its engagement with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The programme was conducted in an online format in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The main aim of this initiative was to promote inclusion and diversify SECI’s vendor base by encouraging greater participation from smaller businesses across the country.

The session was specially designed to support MSMEs, including women-owned and SC/ST-owned enterprises, which often face challenges in accessing procurement opportunities. SECI focused on addressing these issues by providing guidance and support to help such vendors become part of its supply chain. The programme also aimed to expand awareness about SECI’s procurement processes and make it easier for vendors to participate in upcoming tenders.

During the event, Sh. Sandeep Kumar, Deputy General Manager (Contracts and Procurement) at SECI, delivered a detailed presentation. He explained SECI’s role in the energy sector and shared insights into its procurement activities and achievements for the financial year 2025–2026. He also highlighted key initiatives taken by SECI to improve vendor participation and ensure transparency in the procurement process. Important topics such as payment monitoring systems and vendor support mechanisms were also discussed to give participants a clear understanding of how SECI operates.

More than 30 vendors from different parts of India participated in the programme. These vendors represented a wide range of sectors, including IT hardware, furniture, consultancy services, and manufacturing. The diverse participation showed the growing interest among MSMEs in working with SECI and contributing to the renewable energy sector.

An interactive question-and-answer session was held during the programme, where vendors raised their concerns and queries. Many participants discussed practical challenges related to registration on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal and the bidding process. SECI officials provided clear explanations and guidance to help vendors overcome these issues and improve their chances of successful participation.

The programme concluded with SECI sharing information about its upcoming projects that will be offered through the GeM portal. Vendors were encouraged to stay updated and actively participate in these opportunities. SECI also assured continued support and guidance to help vendors grow and become part of a fair and inclusive procurement system.