NEW DELHI. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has emerged as a key enabler for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), women entrepreneurs, SC/ST businesses and startups to participate competitively in government procurement. As of November 30, over 11.25 lakh MSE sellers were registered on the platform, collectively securing government orders worth ₹7.44 lakh crore. This accounts for 44.8 per cent of the total order value on GeM, significantly exceeding the mandated annual procurement target of 25 per cent for MSEs. Women-led enterprises have also seen rising participation, with more than two lakh women-owned MSEs active on the platform and orders worth ₹78,066 crore, supported by initiatives such as the Womaniya programme focused on onboarding, training and access to opportunities.
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry said GeM promotes inclusive procurement through policy-aligned platform features, including dedicated filters for MSEs, women-led and SC/ST enterprises, along with purchase preferences and relaxations in Earnest Money Deposit, turnover and experience requirements. The impact is reflected in recent transactions, including a women-led clean energy firm from Vadodara supplying renewable energy solutions worth over ₹53 crore, an SC/ST-owned enterprise from Nagpur delivering surveillance infrastructure valued at ₹29 crore, and a Mumbai-based startup securing technology service contracts worth ₹191 crore. Officials noted that GeM enhances transparency, efficiency and traceability in public procurement while advancing the goals of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat through wider regional and community participation.
