How Has GeM Achieved Over 1.64 Lakh Primary Buyers and 4.2 Lakh Active Sellers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- GeM has over 1.64 lakh primary buyers and 4.2 lakh active sellers.
- 10,000 product categories and 330 services available.
- 97% of transactions are free from charges.
- Significant fee reductions for sellers.
- GeM facilitates complex services like drone-as-a-service.
New Delhi, May 19 (NationPress) The user base of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has experienced a remarkable three-fold growth in recent years, now boasting over 1.64 lakh primary buyers and 4.2 lakh active sellers, as announced on Monday.
This platform features more than 10,000 product categories and offers over 330 services.
Celebrating its 8th Incorporation Day, India’s national public procurement portal reiterated its significant role in fostering inclusive economic development and enhancing digital governance.
“Our mission extends beyond procurement — it focuses on creating a more accessible, efficient, and equitable marketplace for all participants, including MSEs, start-ups, weavers, and women-led enterprises,” stated Mihir Kumar, CEO of GeM.
Independent evaluations, including reports from the World Bank and the Economic Survey, confirm GeM’s influence, highlighting an average cost reduction of nearly 10 percent in government procurement.
Kumar pointed out that the GeM ecosystem now encompasses over 10 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups.
“By ensuring comprehensive information on bids and actively engaging various stakeholders — including MSEs, start-ups, women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and FPOs — GeM has transformed public procurement practices,” he added.
Currently, nearly 97 percent of all transactions on GeM incur no transaction fees. Furthermore, fees have been reduced by 33 to 96 percent and capped at Rs 3 lakh for orders exceeding Rs 10 crore, a significant decrease from the prior Rs 72.5 lakh.
For sellers with an annual turnover below Rs 1 crore, the caution money deposit has been slashed by 60 percent, with complete exemptions available for select groups.
The pivotal role of GeM in promoting national priorities is highlighted by significant transactions, including Rs 5,000 crore worth of equipment for the Akash Missile System and Rs 5,085 crore in vaccine procurement.
The platform is also facilitating complex services such as drone-as-a-service for AIIMS, GIS and insurance for over 1.3 crore lives, and wet leasing of chartered flights and CT scanners, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
GeM has achieved adoption across all 36 states and union territories, with Uttar Pradesh leading the charge.