Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that from a gross merchandise value (GMV) of Rs 422 crore a decade ago to over Rs 1,55,000 crore today, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has rewritten the rules of public procurement.
In a post on X, the minister informed that over 12.28 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), including more than 2.25 lakh led by women, and over 42,000 startups are registered on the portal, proving that grassroots empowerment is not merely a slogan for the Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but a genuine commitment.
“Over the last 10 years, the platform has enhanced competition, improved price discovery, reduced procurement cycle times, generated significant savings for the Government, and strengthened accountability through end-to-end digital procurement,” said Goyal.
He further stated that this has made government markets more accessible to MSEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups, artisans, and weavers, while championing the vision of Vocal for Local and Make in India.
“The GeM is emerging as a key driver of self-reliance that is also strengthening the foundation of a Viksit Bharat,” the minister mentioned.
GeM connects more than 1.37 lakh government buyer organisations with nearly 25 lakh sellers and service providers, facilitating cumulative procurement worth over ₹20 lakh crore, stated a government factsheet.
It further states, “Beyond facilitating transactions, GeM has become an important pillar of India’s Digital Procurement Ecosystem. The platform supports Digital India, Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local and Ease of Doing Business. It provides a comprehensive digital marketplace with over 10,660 product categories and 350 service categories, meeting diverse government procurement needs.”
“The marketplace includes medical equipment, furniture, computers, fire safety equipment and handicrafts, alongside services such as transport, catering, vehicle hiring and human resource services. Multiple procurement modes, integrated payment systems and online contract generation further ensure transparent, efficient and end-to-end digital procurement,” it added.
“As GeM begins its 11th year, the focus is shifting towards a smarter and more integrated public procurement ecosystem. Artificial intelligence and wider participation will further strengthen transparency, efficiency and governance,” it mentions.
— (With inputs from IANS)
