New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) The Government's e-Marketplace (GeM) forward auction module has successfully generated over Rs 2,200 crore by selling off e-waste and various scraps from numerous ministries and departments through a competitive bidding process that spanned from December 2021 to November 2025, as stated by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Sunday.

The forward auction module of GeM has facilitated more than 13,000 auctions, attracted over 23,000 registered bidders, and allowed participation from more than 17,000 auctioneers during this four-year timeframe. This data highlights that forward auctions have progressed beyond a pilot project, transforming into a comprehensive digital system for government asset disposal, as noted in the statement.

Evidence of this evolution can be seen in various instances nationwide. For example, the auction of 100 EWS flats in Lucknow's Aliganj, executed by the State Bank of India, garnered Rs 34.53 crore through the GeM platform. This successful auction prompted SBI to formally acknowledge the GeM forward auction team's efforts, emphasizing the importance of transparent digital systems in facilitating value discovery.

Another notable case is the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, which had struggled for years to dispose of obsolete and unusable items. By utilizing the forward auction method, the Zoo achieved bids exceeding the reserve price and expressed gratitude for the support received during the auction process. The effective disposal of scrap through such channels enhances operational efficiency and maximizes the use of public resources.

The array of assets auctioned through GeM illustrates the extensive applications of the forward auction module. Recent sales have included screened gypsum valued at Rs 3.35 crore by FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals India Ltd., the auction of 261 condemned vehicles in the Jammu Division, salvage items from the Border Roads Organisation, a five-year lease for a dormitory in Gulmarg, and rights to conduct boating activities at a lake in Spurtar. These instances represent a shift towards competitive disposal strategies for a diverse range of government assets, according to the announcement.

GeM functions as a digital interface through which ministries, departments, and public sector organizations procure goods and services. In addition to this primary role, the platform also enables government asset disposal via its forward auction module, introducing online competitive bidding and enhancing transparency, efficiency, and value discovery in a process that has traditionally been marred by excessive paperwork.

A forward auction is a digital bidding procedure through which government departments sell assets, including scrap, e-waste, old vehicles, machinery, and leasehold properties like buildings and land, to the highest bidder. In this system, the government lists an item on the platform, registered bidders submit competing offers, and the highest bid is declared the winner. With GeM's secure digital platform, departments can establish reserve prices, set participation criteria, and oversee bidding in real-time, ensuring efficiency and transparency throughout the auction process.

Participation in GeM forward auctions is designed to be accessible for bidders. Interested participants must visit the GeM homepage, register via the forward auction bidder registration link, provide PAN and other necessary information, and complete email verification and onboarding. After paying the earnest money deposit, if applicable, bidders can engage in live online auctions that are time-sensitive and follow established security protocols. All auctions are publicly listed, except for a few where participation is limited to pre-qualified bidders due to the nature of the assets.