Did GeM Really Enhance Transparent Governance as PM Modi Claims?

New Delhi, May 19 (NationPress) The Centre's initiative to foster transparent governance has received a significant digital enhancement with the launch of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which is breaking down barriers for the underprivileged, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring substantial savings, stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) shared an article on the X social media platform, penned by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.

According to the PMO, "The government's drive for transparent governance receives a digital upgrade. @GeM_India is creating opportunities for the marginalized, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, and guaranteeing significant savings. A comprehensive overview of the GeM platform by Union Minister Piyush Goyal is a must-read!"

Piyush Goyal emphasized that the GeM portal has dismantled entry barriers, eradicated corruption, empowered marginalized communities, particularly in smaller towns, and facilitated considerable savings for taxpayers.

“Since its establishment nine years ago, the digital public procurement platform GeM-India has evolved into a crucial component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047,” the minister remarked.

Goyal pointed out that as a groundbreaking digital initiative, GeM has transformed the government procurement process by eliminating corruption and creating opportunities for startups, MSMEs, women, and businesses in less populated areas.

The GeM has swiftly established itself as a global leader in delivering a transparent, inclusive, and effective platform for public procurement. It links over 160,000 government buyers with 2.3 million sellers and service providers, as highlighted in his article.

Since its launch in 2016, transactions exceeding ₹13.4 lakh crore have been conducted on the GeM portal. Public procurement through the platform reached an unprecedented ₹5.43 lakh crore in 2024-25. GeM has set an ambitious target to achieve an annual business volume of ₹7 lakh crore in the current fiscal year.

According to Goyal, GeM has undoubtedly emerged as a technological powerhouse in the public procurement arena. The volume of transactions is expected to position it as the world's largest public procurement portal, surpassing well-established systems like South Korea’s KONEPS in the near future.

GeM has also effectively facilitated the insurance of over 13 million individuals, covering health, life, and personal accident insurance during the fiscal year 2024-25.

The platform aims to bridge the gap between innovators and government purchasers, enabling accelerated scaling, market validation, and a significant contribution to India's global innovation stature.

The government has emphasized crucial reforms in the public procurement system through GeM, including robust anti-cartel measures and expert-led interventions to enhance efficiency, transparency, and growth.

Recently, Goyal chaired a meeting with key GeM officials and stakeholders, stressing the importance of empowering both buyers and sellers on the platform.