Government e Marketplace (GeM) Portal Celebrates 8th Incorporation Day | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Government e Marketplace (GeM) Portal Celebrates 8th Incorporation Day

Posted 20 May 2025

2 min read

On this occasion, GeM also launched GeMAI, India’s first generative AI-powered chatbot in the public sector.

Transformative Impact of GeM on Inclusive Economic Growth & Digital governance

  • Scale: Connects 1.6 lakh government buyers with 23 lakh sellers/service providers, enabling transactions worth over ₹13.4 lakh crore since inception. 
  • Cost Savings: World Bank and Economic Survey report ~10% savings in government procurement. Also, 97% of transactions are now charge-free.
  • GeM has successfully integrated diverse stakeholder groups: E.g., 10 lakh+ Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs); 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers; ~1.8 lakh women entrepreneurs & 31,000 startups
  • Boosted Inclusive Procurement through Dedicated Storefronts
    • Enhanced Visibility and Participation: Storefronts like Startup Runway and Womaniya have significantly improved access for startups, MSEs, and women-led enterprises.
    • Exceeding Procurement Targets: GeM has surpassed government targets with 38% of business awarded to MSEs (target: 25%) and nearly 4% to women-led businesses (target: 3%).
  • Empowered Marginalized Entrepreneurs
    • Inclusive Procurement for SC/ST MSMEs: Actively collaborating with the MSME ecosystem to enhance participation of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs in public procurement. 
    • The SARAS Collection on GeM features a curated range of handcrafted products by India’s top Self-Help Groups (SHGs). 
  • GeM’s Global Standing: On track to become the world’s largest public procurement portal, surpassing platforms like South Korea’s KONEPS

About GeM Portal

  • Launched: In 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Aim: It is a dedicated digital e-commerce portal for mandatory procurement and sale of goods and services by Central and State Government Organisations/Departments/PSUs.
  • Objective: GeM seeks to establish a transparent, efficient, and inclusive procurement ecosystem, replacing the traditional Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D).
  • Other Features
    • Automated rule-based enforcement of MSE provisions.
    • Advanced analytics for decision support, fraud, and anomaly detection.
    • Faceless, transparent procurement process concealing seller identity.
  • Tags :
  • GeM
  • Womaniya
  • Startup Runway
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