₹15 Lakh Crore GeM Milestone

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by crossing ₹15 lakh crore in cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) since its launch in 2016. This achievement is a significant step in India’s journey toward transparent, efficient, and inclusive public procurement, and reflects the growing adoption of digital platforms in governance.

For SSC aspirants, understanding the GeM initiative is crucial as it highlights government policies, Digital India procurement reforms, and efforts to empower small enterprises, startups, and women-led businesses.

What is GeM?

GeM portal, also known as the Government e-Marketplace, is a digital procurement platform that connects government departments with sellers, streamlining procurement processes and ensuring transparency. Over the last nine years, GeM has evolved into a key platform for public procurement in India, providing opportunities to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), startups, SC/ST-led businesses, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

According to GeM CEO Shri Mihir Kumar, crossing the ₹15 lakh crore GeM milestone is a testimony to the trust of stakeholders and validates the platform’s inclusive and innovation-driven approach.

Key Features of GeM

Several features have contributed to the success of GeM, making it a model for government procurement digital platforms:

1. Transparent Ecosystem

• Every transaction on the GeM portal is digitally tracked, ensuring accountability and auditability.

• This digital mechanism has significantly reduced corruption and manual errors in government procurement.

2. Inclusivity in Procurement

• The GeM platform for MSEs and other marginalized groups allows:

  • Women entrepreneurs to access government contracts

  • SC/ST-led businesses to participate in tenders

  • Startups and SHGs to contribute innovative products and services

• This inclusivity makes the GeM digital procurement portal for Indian government departments a revolutionary tool in fostering equal opportunities.

3. Simplified Processes

• GeM offers easy registration, cataloging, and order management.

• This ensures that even small sellers and new entrants can navigate the system efficiently, reducing dependency on intermediaries.

4. Policy and Technology Integration

• By integrating Digital India procurement policies with technology, GeM aligns with India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Atmanirbhar Bharat, supporting domestic businesses.

Achievements and Impact

The ₹15 lakh crore GeM milestone is not just a number; it represents tangible impacts:

• Widened Seller Base: Lakhs of sellers across India now directly interact with government buyers through the GeM marketplace, reducing reliance on middlemen.

• Empowering Small Enterprises: A significant share of orders is fulfilled by MSEs and startups, driving job creation and local entrepreneurship.

• Cost Efficiency for Government: Transparent bidding and competitive pricing optimize public expenditure.

• Promotion of Digital Governance: GeM serves as a model of end-to-end digital service delivery, enabling faster decision-making and reducing paperwork.

Future Vision of GeM

The journey of GeM continues with clear objectives:

• Deepening Inclusion: Bringing more underserved groups into the procurement fold through the GeM platform, empowering women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.

• Fostering Innovation: Encouraging sellers to provide tech-driven and innovative solutions for government needs.

• Sustaining Efficiency: Simplifying workflows and interfaces for both buyers and sellers.

The ultimate goal is to make inclusive public procurement through the GeM portal a driver of economic growth, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and contributing to Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Why SSC Aspirants Should Know About GeM

For SSC aspirants, knowledge about GeM is essential for the following reasons:

1. Current Affairs Relevance: GeM’s achievements are frequently highlighted in the news, government reports, and competitive exam questions.

2. Understanding Digital India Initiatives: The platform is a practical example of Digital India procurement reforms.

3. Government Policies and Schemes: It reflects India’s efforts to include MSEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, and marginalized groups in public procurement.

4. Economic Significance: Understanding how GeM achieved ₹15 lakh crore GMV gives insight into India’s growing digital economy and governance models.

Final Thoughts

The achievement of ₹15 lakh crore GeM marks a historic milestone in India’s journey toward digital and transparent public procurement. The GeM portal has successfully empowered MSEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, SC/ST-led businesses, and SHGs, creating an inclusive marketplace for all. By integrating technology with policy reforms, GeM has streamlined government procurement, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness.

This digital platform stands as a model of governance under the Digital India initiative, promoting innovation and ease of access for sellers across the country.

The milestone not only reflects the trust of stakeholders but also demonstrates how inclusive public procurement can drive economic growth and support the vision of a Viksit Bharat. As GeM continues to evolve, it remains a powerful tool for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and transparency in government procurement.