Benefits of Government e-market (GeM)

Context

The Government e-market (GeM) has revolutionized public procurement in India reaping benefits government shoppers and small agencies alike.

What is GeM?

• Government e-market (GeM) is an online platform for public procurement in India. 
• It was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to enhance transparency, performance, and velocity in government procurement.
• Objective: To create an open and transparent procurement platform for government consumers.

Key Features of GeM

• SWAYATT is the portal’s dedication to enhance ease of doing business and set up direct market linkages to annual public procurement for startups, women marketers, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and kids.
• Startup Runway 2.0 is an opportunity for Startups to show off their innovative products and services to Government consumers and engage in public procurement.
• GeM has created a devoted market category for all Startups to list their products and services, regardless of their DPIIT-certification.
• Womaniya initiative seeks to exhibit merchandise made by women entrepreneurs and women self-help organizations [WSHGs].
• GeM is taking part with numerous stakeholders from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [MSME] ecosystem with unique consciousness on marketers from the Scheduled Caste/ Schedule Tribes [SC/ ST].
• The SARAS Collection is a pristine hand made series of handicrafts, handloom textiles, workplace décor, furnishings, accessories, occasion souvenirs, private hygiene and care merchandise from pinnacle of the road SHGs in India.

Impact of GeM

• Cost Savings: Competitive pricing has led to lower procurement fees for the government.
• Wider Market Access: Vendors from across the country, including rural regions, can register and sell their products.
• Boost to MSMEs & Startups: Nearly 50% of the orders on GeM are from MSMEs, promoting small corporations.

Conclusion

• The platform’s strategic initiatives have substantially contributed to the benefit of doing business and better participation in government procurement. 
• As GeM maintains to adapt, it stays committed to its vision of making a sustainable, open, and aggressive market, using India’s progress towards inclusive and transparent public procurement practices.

Source: The PIB

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Which of the following can aid in furthering the Government’s objective of inclusive growth? (2011)

1. Promoting Self-Help Groups 
2. Promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 
3. Implementing the Right to Education Act

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 1 and 2 only 

(c) 2 and 3 only 

1. d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (d)

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