The government e-marketplace (GeM) has witnessed a significant rise in the registration of micro and small enterprises (MSEs), increasing from 2,396 in 2016–17 to over 11.9 lakh presently. Procurement from MSEs has also seen a substantial growth, escalating from Rs 69 crore to more than Rs 8.69 lakh crore, with the number of orders surging from 2,994 to over 2.17 crore during the same period.
Moreover, GeM has facilitated the involvement of under-represented groups, with women-owned MSEs on the platform increasing from 268 to over 2.16 lakh. The procurement value for these enterprises has risen from Rs 8 crore to more than Rs 93,327 crore. Additionally, the participation of startups has grown from 88 to over 40,000 entities, with procurement increasing from Rs 2 crore to over Rs 61,400 crore. Similarly, registered SC/ST MSEs have increased from 38 to over 66,000, with procurement value exceeding Rs 21,800 crore, showcasing the platform’s efforts in widening participation in public procurement.
GeM has not only enhanced procurement but has also supported public service delivery requirements, especially in the health sector. The platform has facilitated the procurement of over 324 crore vaccine doses, 199 crore syringes, medical kits for Vande Bharat trains, diagnostic equipment, and various healthcare-related supplies and services. Leveraging technology, GeM utilizes artificial intelligence-based tools, advanced analytics, digital monitoring systems, and transparent auction mechanisms to enhance efficiency, accountability, and user experience in procurement processes.
Focusing on strengthening digital procurement systems through innovation and improved user experience, GeM aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat. By transitioning public procurement to a digital and data-driven system, the platform has increased transparency, reduced human interface, and simplified access to government procurement opportunities, enabling broader participation across enterprises and geographies. GeM stands as a significant initiative in the realm of digital procurement, contributing to enhancing the ease of doing business by providing equal opportunities to enterprises of all sizes in government procurement markets.
