The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has emerged as a key platform enabling Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), women entrepreneurs, SC/ST businesses and startups to participate competitively in government procurement, with small enterprises accounting for a significant share of public purchasing, according to official data.
As of November 30, more than 11.25 lakh MSE sellers were registered on the GeM platform. These enterprises have cumulatively secured government orders worth ₹7.44 lakh crore, contributing 44.8 per cent of the total order value on GeM and exceeding the mandated annual procurement target of 25 per cent for MSEs.
Women-led enterprises have shown growing participation on the platform, with over two lakh women-owned MSEs currently active. Collectively, these enterprises have secured orders worth ₹78,066 crore, supported by targeted initiatives such as the Womaniya programme, which focuses on onboarding, training and enhancing access to procurement opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry said GeM facilitates inclusive procurement by offering platform features aligned with national policies, including dedicated filters to identify products offered by MSEs, women-led and SC/ST enterprises. Eligible MSE sellers also receive purchase preference and relaxations in Earnest Money Deposit requirements, as well as turnover and experience criteria, to enable wider participation while ensuring transparency and accountability.
The impact of these measures is reflected in recent transactions across sectors. In November 2025, a women-led clean energy firm from Vadodara supplied renewable energy solutions worth over ₹53 crore to the Department of Heavy Industries. During the same period, an SC/ST-owned enterprise from Nagpur delivered surveillance infrastructure valued at ₹29 crore for the Central Government. A Mumbai-based startup also secured technology service contracts worth ₹191 crore within a short period of scaling up operations.
Beyond facilitating procurement, GeM enables transparency, efficiency and traceability in public purchasing while allowing enterprises from diverse regions and communities to access government markets. Officials said the platform supports the objectives of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat by integrating digital processes with public procurement policies.
The growing participation of MSEs, women-led enterprises and startups on GeM reflects an evolving procurement ecosystem focused on inclusion, access and regional participation in government purchasing frameworks.
