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Key Points

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved remarkable growth by expanding its user base to over 1.64 lakh primary buyers and 4.2 lakh active sellers. The platform has become a critical infrastructure for inclusive economic development, supporting micro enterprises, women entrepreneurs, and startups. Independent assessments validate GeM's impact, noting significant cost savings in government procurement. With adoption across all states and innovative service offerings, GeM is transforming India's digital procurement landscape.

Key Points: GeM Platform Expands to 1.64 Lakh Buyers 4.2 Lakh Sellers

  • Government e-Marketplace hits significant milestone with three-fold user base expansion
  • Platform supports over 10 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises
  • Nearly 97% of GeM transactions now free from transaction charges
  • Enables complex services across national infrastructure projects
2 min read

Over 1.64 lakh primary buyers, 4.2 lakh active sellers now onboard on GeM

India's national procurement portal GeM marks 8th year with transformative growth, empowering MSEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs nationwide.

"Our journey goes beyond procurement -- it's about building a more accessible, efficient and equitable marketplace for all - Mihir Kumar, GeM CEO"

New Delhi, May 19

Government e-Marketplace's (GeM) user base has seen a three-fold increase in recent years, with over 1.64 lakh primary buyers and 4.2 lakh active sellers now onboard, it was announced on Monday.

The platform offers more than 10,000 product categories and over 330 services.

India's national public procurement portal marked its 8th 'Incorporation Day' with a reaffirmation of its transformative impact on inclusive economic growth and digital governance.

"From MSEs and start-ups to weavers and women-led enterprises, our journey goes beyond procurement -- it's about building a more accessible, efficient and equitable marketplace for all," said Mihir Kumar, CEO, GeM.

Independent assessments, including from the World Bank and Economic Survey, validate GeM's impact, noting an average cost saving of nearly 10 per cent in government procurement.

According to Kumar, over 10 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups are now part of the GeM ecosystem.

"By ensuring complete information dissemination on bids and actively integrating diverse stakeholders -- MSEs, start-ups, women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and FPOs -- GeM has redefined public procurement," he added.

Nearly 97 per cent of all transactions on GeM are now free from transaction charges. Additionally, fees have been reduced by 33 per cent to 96 per cent and capped at Rs 3 lakh for orders exceeding Rs 10 crore, significantly down from the earlier Rs 72.5 lakh.

For sellers with annual turnover below Rs 1 crore, the caution money deposit has been cut by 60 per cent, with full exemptions granted to select groups.

GeM's role in advancing national priorities was underscored by key transactions, including Rs 5,000 crore worth of equipment for the Akash Missile System and Rs 5,085 crore in vaccine procurement.

The platform is also enabling complex services such as drone-as-a-service for AIIMS, GIS and insurance for over 1.3 crore lives, and wet leasing of chartered flights and CT scanners, said Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

GeM has now been adopted across all 36 states and union territories, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is truly a game-changer for small businesses! As someone from a tier-2 city, I've seen how GeM has helped local artisans get direct government orders without middlemen. The reduced fees are especially helpful for startups like ours. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While GeM is doing great work, there should be more awareness campaigns in rural areas. Many women entrepreneurs in my district still don't know how to register or bid properly. The platform is excellent but needs better grassroots outreach.
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Amit S.
The 10% cost savings mentioned is impressive! But I wonder if quality is being compromised for lower prices? Government should ensure strict quality checks, especially for critical purchases like defense equipment mentioned in the article.
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Sneha R.
As a woman entrepreneur from UP, I can vouch for GeM's impact! Got my first big order through this platform last year. The reduced caution money deposit helped immensely. More power to such initiatives that actually deliver on Digital India promise! 👏
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Vikram J.
The drone-as-a-service and other complex offerings show how GeM is evolving beyond basic procurement. But the interface could be more user-friendly - my father who runs a small handicraft business finds it difficult to navigate sometimes.
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Neha T.
Heartening to see 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs on board! GeM is helping break traditional barriers in business. Hope they introduce more regional language support to make it accessible to non-English speakers too. #WomenEmpowerment

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