How is the Centre Expanding GeM Access for MSEs, Startups, and Women Entrepreneurs?
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Synopsis
The Central Government is on a mission to empower MSEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs through various initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility to the Government e-Marketplace. With innovative features and supportive measures, the GeM platform is set to revolutionize procurement for these vital sectors. Discover more about these exciting changes!
Key Takeaways
- Government initiatives aim to enhance GeM accessibility for MSEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs.
- Marketplace filters now distinguish products by SC/ST entrepreneurs.
- Over 1 million MSEs are active on the GeM platform.
- Total transaction value on GeM has exceeded Rs 5.40 lakh crore.
- GeM facilitates complex services like drone-as-a-service.
New Delhi, July 26 (NationPress) The Central Government has implemented various measures to enhance the accessibility of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), startups, and women entrepreneurs.
These initiatives include the introduction of marketplace filters and product catalog icons to identify product listings by MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs in the Direct Purchase/L1 procurement mode. Additionally, there is a reduction in Vendor Assessment Fees for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and an exemption from caution money, as stated by Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in a written response in the Rajya Sabha.
Further steps include establishing market linkages for women, startups, self-help groups, artisans, and weavers through the creation of eight GeM outlet stores; integrating Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) with the Udyam MSME database for streamlined seller registration; forming strategic partnerships through Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with significant stakeholders; and facilitating an immersive onboarding experience for sellers, showcasing catalogue success stories to boost engagement.
To enhance the participation of entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), GeM provides marketplace filters that highlight product listings by SC/ST entrepreneurs in the Direct Purchase/L1 procurement mode, thereby aiding government buyers in adhering to the Public Procurement Policies for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Order, 2012, as noted by the minister.
Over 1 million micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have registered on the GeM platform, with total transaction values reaching approximately Rs 5.40 lakh crore in FY2024-25.
The platform is also facilitating complex services such as drone-as-a-service for AIIMS, GIS and insurance coverage for over 1.3 crore lives, and leasing of chartered flights and CT scanners. GeM has been embraced across all 36 states and union territories, with Uttar Pradesh leading the charge.
Point of View
I firmly believe that the government's initiatives to bolster access to the Government e-Marketplace for MSEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs are commendable steps towards fostering an inclusive economy. By facilitating procurement processes and supporting marginalized groups, these measures have the potential to significantly boost entrepreneurship and innovation in our country.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform that facilitates the procurement of goods and services by government departments and public sector organizations, promoting transparency and efficiency.
How does GeM support women entrepreneurs?
GeM has introduced marketplace filters and special icons to highlight products from women entrepreneurs, which helps them gain visibility and access to government procurement opportunities.
What initiatives has the government introduced for MSEs?
The government has implemented initiatives such as reduced vendor assessment fees, exemption from caution money, and market linkages to enhance the participation of MSEs on the GeM platform.
How many MSEs are currently registered on the GeM platform?
As of now, over 1 million micro and small enterprises have registered on the GeM platform, indicating its growing popularity among businesses.
What is the total transaction value on GeM?
The total transaction value on the GeM platform has reached approximately Rs 5.40 lakh crore in FY2024-25.
