Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal, Features, Advantages

Government e-Marketplace (GeM), also referred to as GeM portal, is an online platform designed specifically for public procurement in India. Check features and advantages of GeM Portal in this article

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Context: The procurement of goods and services through the Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) platform has doubled (Rs. 4 lakh crore) in the current FY 2023-24.

About Government-e-Marketplace (GeM)

Launched: August 9, 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Purpose: To facilitate online purchases of goods and services by all central government ministries and departments.
Government Purchases: The Ministry of Finance has endorsed and mandated the use of GeM for government purchases, as outlined in the General Financial Rules, 2017.
- Example: The platform is used extensively by the defence sector including the assembly of BrahMos missiles.
Ownership: Managed by GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), a completely government-owned (100%), not-for-profit entity established under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Product and Service Range: The portal lists a vast array of products and services, including office stationery, vehicles, computer equipment, furniture, transportation, logistics, waste management, and webcasting services.
Global Standing: GeM is the 3rd largest government e-procurement platform in the world, following South Korea’s KONEPS and Singapore’s GeBIZ.

Features of Government-e-Marketplace (GeM)

Paperless and Cashless Transactions: GeM facilitates an entirely digital, cash-free procurement process, significantly reducing the need for physical documentation and cash transactions, thereby streamlining procurement.
Accessibility and Transparency: As an inclusive platform, GeM imposes no entry restrictions on legitimate vendors interested in supplying goods and services to the government, fostering a transparent procurement ecosystem.
Efficiency and Vendor Confidence: The platform’s streamlined procedures and commitment to timely online payments have bolstered vendor trust, simultaneously cutting down vendors’ operational expenses.

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Advantages of Government-e-Marketplace (GeM)

For Buyers	For Sellers
Rich listing of products for individual categories of Goods/Services	Direct access to all Government departments
Search, Compare, Select, and Buy facility	One-stop shop for marketing with minimal efforts
Buying Goods and Services online, as and when required	One-stop shop for bids/reverse auctions on products/services
Transparent and easy to buy	New Product Suggestion facility available to Sellers
Continuous vendor rating system	Dynamic pricing: Price can be changed based on market conditions
User-friendly dashboard for Buying and monitoring supplies and payments	Seller friendly dashboard for selling and monitoring of supplies and payments
Easy Return policy	Consistent and uniform purchase procedures