GeM's Transformation of Public Procurement
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has revolutionized India's public procurement system by replacing manual, fragmented processes with a transparent, technology-driven digital platform since its launch on 9 August 2016. The platform serves as a unified, end-to-end digital marketplace that enables government buyers to procure goods and services through a secure, paperless, cashless, and contactless ecosystem, bringing together buyers and sellers on a common online marketplace.
Scale and Reach
GeM connects more than 1.37 lakh government buyer organizations with nearly 25 lakh sellers and service providers, facilitating cumulative procurement worth over ₹20 lakh crore. The platform offers comprehensive digital marketplace capabilities with over 10,660 product categories and 350 service categories, covering diverse needs from medical equipment and furniture to transport services and human resources. Defence procurement has been particularly significant, contributing over 14.93% of GeM's cumulative GMV, with the Department of Military Affairs crossing ₹1.35 lakh crore in cumulative GMV as of 06 August 2026.
Inclusive Procurement Initiatives
GeM has demonstrated remarkable success in promoting inclusive growth through dedicated initiatives for underrepresented groups. In 2025-26, over 11 lakh registered Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) executed more than 51 lakh orders worth over ₹2.36 lakh crore. Women-led enterprises saw significant participation with more than 2.1 lakh registered women-led MSEs securing procurement worth over ₹28,000 crore. SC/ST enterprises achieved procurement exceeding ₹6,000 crore, registering nearly 28% annual growth, while startup procurement crossed ₹19,000 crore with over 36% annual growth.
Special Programs and Partnerships
The platform features several flagship initiatives including SWAYATT (Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through e-Transactions) which promotes inclusive public procurement for startups, women entrepreneurs, MSEs and SHGs. The Womaniya initiative showcases products made by women entrepreneurs and Women Self-Help Groups, while the SARAS Collection provides a dedicated marketplace for rural self-help groups to access government buyers. Startup Runway 2.0 offers startups a dedicated platform to showcase innovative products and services to government buyers.
GeM has forged strategic partnerships with various organizations to enhance its ecosystem. The collaboration with Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) focuses on space-tech procurement, while the partnership with Drone Federation India supports drone procurement. The GeMSahay initiative with Union Bank of India provides collateral-free working capital loans to eligible proprietorship sellers through a dedicated mobile app. Additional partnerships with Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management, CareEdge Ratings, National Centre for Goods Governance, and Indian Institute of Public Administration support research, training, and policy development in public procurement.
Operational Enhancements and Integration
The platform integrates with the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) providing a single access point for government tender information. Functionalities of the Indian Railway Electronic Procurement System (IREPS) and Defence Public Procurement Portal (DPPP) are being integrated with GeM to create a unified public procurement ecosystem. Recent reforms include Rate Contracts for recurring purchases and removal of Caution Money requirements for sellers, simplifying procurement processes and improving ease of doing business.
Expansion and Future Focus
In June 2026, GeM partnered with Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited to establish 50 GeM Suvidha Kendras on a pilot basis across select States and Union Territories. These centers provide awareness, seller registration, vendor assessment, catalogue creation, capacity building, and grievance redressal to enhance participation of MSEs, women and SC/ST entrepreneurs, startups, artisans, weavers, SHGs and local manufacturers. As GeM enters its 11th year, the focus shifts toward artificial intelligence and wider participation to strengthen transparency, efficiency and governance in public procurement.