The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has recorded procurement worth more than ₹8.69 lakh crore from micro and small enterprises (MSEs), while the number of registered MSEs on the platform has increased to over 11.9 lakh from 2,396 in 2016-17, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The number of orders placed through the platform has also risen from 2,994 to more than 2.17 crore during the same period.
Launched on August 9, 2016, GeM was conceived as a governance reform aimed at transforming public procurement from a largely manual and fragmented process into a digital and data-driven system.
The platform has enabled online onboarding, transparent bidding mechanisms, digital contract management and end-to-end procurement processes, facilitating participation of businesses of different sizes in government supply chains.
Participation by women-owned enterprises, startups and SC/ST-owned MSEs has also increased significantly over the years.
The number of women-owned MSEs registered on GeM has grown from 268 in 2016-17 to more than 2.16 lakh, while procurement value from these enterprises has increased from ₹8 crore to over ₹93,327 crore.
Startup participation has expanded from 88 entities to more than 40,000, with procurement rising from ₹2 crore to over ₹61,400 crore.
Similarly, registered SC/ST MSEs have increased from 38 to more than 66,000, with procurement value exceeding ₹21,800 crore.
GeM has also facilitated procurement of over 324 crore vaccine doses and 199 crore syringes. The platform has enabled procurement of medical kits for Vande Bharat trains, diagnostic equipment and a range of healthcare-related supplies and services.
Technology continues to play an important role in the evolution of GeM. The platform is leveraging artificial intelligence-based tools, advanced analytics, digital monitoring systems and transparent auction mechanisms to improve efficiency, accountability and user experience across procurement processes.
GeM Chief Executive Officer Mihir Kumar said the platform has contributed to building a transparent, efficient and inclusive public procurement ecosystem.
Kumar said GeM has enabled participation of enterprises, including MSEs, startups and local manufacturers, while strengthening access to government procurement in a structured and transparent manner, supporting public service delivery and expanding economic opportunities.
