The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing ₹15 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) since its inception in 2016. This achievement showcases India’s digital procurement growth with transparency, inclusivity, and innovation.
GeM’s Role in Transforming Public Procurement
A Platform Built on Trust and Inclusivity
GeM was established to streamline the government procurement process, making it quicker, transparent, and cost-effective. With widespread adoption by central ministries, state departments, PSUs, and autonomous bodies, GeM has become a crucial digital platform connecting government entities with a diverse seller base.
GeM CEO Shri Mihir Kumar emphasizes that achieving ₹15 lakh crore GMV demonstrates stakeholders’ trust in the platform’s inclusive and innovation-centric approach.
Key Features Behind GeM’s Success
- Transparent Ecosystem: Every transaction on GeM is digitally monitored, ensuring accountability and auditability.
- Inclusivity in Procurement: GeM has expanded procurement opportunities to previously marginalized groups like MSEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, SC/ST-led businesses, and SHGs.
- Simplified Processes: GeM offers easy registration, cataloging, and order management tools, reducing entry barriers.
- Policy & Technology Integration: By combining policy reforms with digital technology, GeM aligns with the vision of Digital India and Viksit Bharat.
Achievements and Impact
- Widened Seller Base: Numerous sellers across India now directly engage with government buyers, diminishing reliance on intermediaries.
- Empowering Small Enterprises: MSEs play a significant role in orders fulfilled on GeM, fostering job creation and local entrepreneurship.
- Cost Efficiency for Government: Competitive pricing and transparent bidding aid in optimizing public expenditure.
- Promotion of Digital Governance: GeM exemplifies end-to-end digital service delivery in governance, facilitating quicker decision-making and reduced paperwork.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future
While achieving the ₹15 lakh crore milestone is remarkable, GeM’s journey continues with a focus on deepening inclusion, fostering innovation, and sustaining efficiency. The ultimate goal is to make public procurement a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat’s objectives, and realizing the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- GeM surpasses ₹15 lakh crore GMV milestone, enhancing India’s digital procurement landscape.
- GeM’s success lies in its transparent ecosystem, inclusivity in procurement, simplified processes, and policy & technology integration.
- The platform’s achievements include widening the seller base, empowering MSEs, ensuring cost efficiency, and promoting digital governance.
- GeM’s future vision focuses on deepening inclusion, fostering innovation, and sustaining efficiency to drive inclusive economic growth.
