Government e-Marketplace (GeM): Transforming Procurement Dynamics

Subject :Polity

Section: National body

Evolution of GeM:
- GeM, initially focused on general store items has expanded its scope. Now, it brings together defense PSUs Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) and Bharat Electrical Ltd (BEL) for procurement.
Specific Procurement Details:
- BDL, specializing in Akash missiles, procured radars and ground support systems from BEL.
- The procurement for Akash missiles is valued at ₹4,415 crore.
Involvement of Defense PSUs:
- Defense PSUs are not only buying through GeM but also selling items.
- Goods traded include simulators, drones, bulletproof jackets, and ballistic helmets.
Significant Benefits of GeM:
- Beyond transaction savings, GeM reports substantial benefits due to end-to-end digital journeys.
- Savings in advertising costs, printing costs, travel costs, and maintenance of in-house portals.
Initiatives for Customer Satisfaction:
- Use of custom bids encouraged for goods not available on GeM.
- Pre and post-dispatch inspection of goods by Quality Assurance and NABL-accredited labs.
- Timely online payment ensures 99% satisfaction rate.
- GeM ensures that 25% of orders go to MSMEs.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM): Revolutionizing Procurement in India

GeM is an online platform launched by the Indian government to facilitate e-commerce for procurement of goods and services.

It serves as a one-stop solution for various government departments and organizations for their procurement needs.

Initially focused on procuring general store items, GeM has expanded its scope to include a wide range of products and services.

It has become a central hub for government purchases, bringing together buyers and sellers.

Key Objectives:
- Enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in government procurement
- Provide a fair and open platform for vendors, including small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Demand Aggregation Module:
- GeM encourages demand aggregation, wherein ministries pool requirements for similar products.
- This promotes large-volume procurement benefits and efficiency in the procurement process.