Government e Marketplace (GeM) : Government e Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform launched by the Government of India to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various government departments, organizations, and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Here are some key aspects of GeM: Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Purpose: GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in public procurement processes. It provides a common platform for buyers and sellers, reducing procurement time and costs. Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Buyers: Government departments, ministries, PSUs, and autonomous bodies can use GeM to procure goods and services. It ensures a centralized marketplace for all government procurement needs. Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Sellers: GeM allows registered sellers, including manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, to list their products and services. This opens up opportunities for businesses, especially smaller enterprises, to participate in government procurement.
- Features: GeM offers features such as e-bidding, reverse auction, and demand aggregation to facilitate competitive and transparent procurement. It also provides real-time tracking of procurement processes.
- Benefits: The platform aims to promote ease of doing business with the government, reduce corruption, and increase cost savings through competitive pricing. It also supports Make in India initiatives by encouraging procurement from local suppliers.
- Registration: Both buyers and sellers need to register on GeM to participate. Sellers undergo a verification process to ensure credibility and quality of listed products. Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Usage: GeM is widely used across central and state governments in India. It has streamlined procurement processes and brought in efficiency gains since its inception. Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Categories: GeM covers a wide range of categories including goods, services, and works. Goods range from office supplies and furniture to vehicles and IT equipment. Services can include transportation, consultancy, and maintenance services. Works encompass construction and infrastructure projects.
- Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Transparency: GeM promotes transparency by providing detailed information about products and services, their specifications, prices, and supplier ratings. This helps buyers make informed decisions and ensures fair competition among sellers.
- Payment and Delivery: The platform facilitates secure online payments and tracks the delivery of goods and services, ensuring accountability and timely fulfillment of contracts.
- Feedback Mechanism: GeM incorporates a feedback mechanism where buyers can rate sellers based on their performance. This helps in maintaining quality standards and improving overall service delivery.
- Integration with other Systems: GeM is integrated with other government systems such as the Government Financial Management Information System (GFMIS) and the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP), further streamlining procurement processes and financial transactions. Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Training and Capacity Building: GeM conducts training programs and workshops for government officials and stakeholders to familiarize them with the platform’s features and best practices in procurement.
- Support for MSMEs: GeM provides a special focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by facilitating their participation in government procurement. This helps in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth.
- Future Initiatives: GeM continues to evolve with new features and initiatives to enhance user experience and efficiency. It aims to incorporate advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to further improve procurement processes.
- GeM 4.0: The Government e Marketplace has evolved through various versions, with GeM 4.0 being the latest iteration aimed at further enhancing its functionality and user experience. This version includes improvements in user interface, search functionalities, and integration with payment gateways to facilitate smoother transactions.
- GeM Samvaad: GeM Samvaad is a dedicated platform for interaction between buyers, sellers, and other stakeholders. It serves as a forum for sharing knowledge, discussing challenges, and providing feedback to continuously improve GeM .Government e Marketplace (GeM)
The following organisations can register on the GeM portal as buyers and are authorised to make procurement through the portal:
- Central Government.
- State government ministries.
- State government departments, including its subordinate offices.
- Central and state autonomous bodies.
- Central and state PSUs and local bodies.