What Key Reforms are Being Focused on in the Public Procurement System via GeM?

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What Key Reforms are Being Focused on in the Public Procurement System via GeM?

Synopsis

Discover how the Indian government is revolutionizing the public procurement system through the Government-e-Marketplace (GeM), focusing on key reforms like <b>anti-cartel safeguards</b> and expert-led interventions. This initiative aims to boost efficiency, transparency, and growth, empowering buyers and sellers alike.

Key Takeaways

  • GeM focuses on anti-cartel measures.
  • Expert-led interventions are enhancing efficiency.
  • Over one million manpower resources hired in FY 2024-25.
  • Insurance services cover 1.3 crore individuals.
  • GeM aims to empower both buyers and sellers.

New Delhi, May 6 (NationPress) The government is prioritizing significant reforms in the public procurement framework through the Government-e-Marketplace (GeM). This includes implementing strong anti-cartel measures and expert-driven interventions aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and growth.

During a meeting chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal with key GeM officials and stakeholders, he stressed on the importance of empowering both buyers and sellers on the platform.

“We have outlined a forward-thinking roadmap that focuses on improving procurement, accelerating state-wide expansion, facilitating flexible payments, and ensuring inclusive credit access, which is aimed at empowering both buyers and sellers on GeM,” the minister shared on the X social media platform.

Goyal further noted the discussion around implementing essential reforms, such as robust anti-cartel safeguards, a more user-friendly interface, and expert-led initiatives to enhance efficiency, transparency, and growth within the public procurement ecosystem.

Launched in 2016, GeM offers government buyers an all-encompassing digital platform for public procurement at economical rates. By FY 2019-20, the platform expanded to integrate services as a distinct segment, initially providing basic services like manpower hiring, cab services, security, and cleaning services.

The digital procurement platform GeM has enabled the hiring of over one million manpower resources by government organizations in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry last month. This outsourcing capability of GeM presents government buyers with a seamless solution for hiring outsourced resources.

In addition, GeM has successfully facilitated the insurance coverage of more than 1.3 crore individuals, encompassing health, life, and personal accident insurance policies during the financial year 2024-25.

This insurance service is in addition to GeM's capability to facilitate the hiring of one million individuals during FY 24-25, as stated. The Insurance Services category was introduced on GeM in January 2022 to achieve enhanced efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in procuring insurance policies.

Point of View

I believe that these reforms reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the public procurement process in India. The focus on transparency and efficiency is commendable and necessary for empowering both buyers and sellers. This approach will likely foster a more robust economic environment and encourage fair competition, ultimately benefiting the nation.
NationPress
22/05/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Government-e-Marketplace (GeM)?
The Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) is a digital platform launched in 2016 for government buyers to conduct public procurement efficiently and cost-effectively.
What are the key reforms being implemented in GeM?
Key reforms include strong anti-cartel safeguards, a user-friendly interface, and expert-led initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and growth.
How many manpower resources have been hired through GeM?
In the fiscal year 2024-25, GeM facilitated the hiring of over one million manpower resources by government organizations.
What insurance services are available through GeM?
GeM has facilitated insurance coverage for more than 1.3 crore individuals, offering health, life, and personal accident insurance policies since the introduction of its Insurance Services category in January 2022.
How is GeM improving transparency in procurement?
By implementing robust anti-cartel measures and expert-led interventions, GeM is enhancing transparency and efficiency in the public procurement ecosystem.