New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) As the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) begins its 11th year, it now connects more than 1.37 lakh government buyer organisations with nearly 25 lakh sellers and service providers, facilitating cumulative procurement worth over Rs 20 lakh crore.
According to an official factsheet, the focus is shifting towards a smarter and more integrated public procurement ecosystem with GeM which was launched on August 9, 2016.
“Artificial intelligence and wider participation will further strengthen transparency, efficiency and governance. By connecting government demand with local enterprises, GeM advances ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Make in India’ and inclusive economic growth. GeM continues supporting India’s journey towards a digitally empowered and self-reliant economy,” according to the factsheet.
Beyond facilitating transactions, GeM has become an important pillar of India’s Digital Procurement Ecosystem.
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.
The GeM has partnered with Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV) in June 2026. Under the partnership, 50 GeM Suvidha Kendras will be established on a pilot basis across select States and Union Territories.
The platform has expanded market access for traditionally underrepresented groups by enabling transparent, technology-driven participation in government procurement.
Over 11 lakh registered Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) executed more than 51 lakh orders worth over Rs 2.36 lakh crore, and more than 2.1 lakh registered women-led MSEs secured procurement worth over Rs 28,000 crore.
Among the SC/ST enterprises, procurement exceeded Rs 6,000 crore, registering nearly 28 per cent annual growth, and among startups, procurement crossed Rs 19,000 crore, recording over 36 per cent annual growth.
Moreover, the GeM has introduced dedicated initiatives including SWAYATT, Startup Runway 2.0, Womaniya and the SARAS Collection. These initiatives improve market access for startups, women entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), artisans and other underserved communities.
—IANS
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