New Delhi, Jul 26 (KNN) The Government has implemented multiple initiatives to broaden the reach of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and women entrepreneurs, according to information provided to Parliament.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada detailed these measures in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, outlining comprehensive steps taken to enhance participation of underrepresented business sectors on the procurement platform.
The Government has introduced marketplace filters and product catalogue icons that specifically distinguish offerings from MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs in Direct Purchase and L1 procurement modes.
Additionally, reduced vendor assessment fees have been implemented for Original Equipment Manufacturers, along with exemptions from caution money payments to lower entry barriers.
The platform has also integrated with the Udyam MSME database through Application Programming Interface technology, enabling streamlined two-step seller auto-registration.
Strategic partnerships have been formalized through Memorandums of Understanding with key organisations including Laghu Udyog Bharati, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organization, and Self Employed Women’s Association, spanning industry, government, and non-profit sectors.
The Government has expanded outreach efforts through participation in industry exhibitions, fairs, roadshows, and events organized by India Trade Promotion Organisation and India Exposition Mart Limited. Comprehensive onboarding processes have been established, covering seller registration through product catalogue uploads, alongside success story documentation to encourage prospective sellers.
To increase participation from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs, GeM provides dedicated marketplace filters that distinguish their product catalogues in procurement processes, facilitating compliance with the Public Procurement Policies for Micro and Small Enterprises Order 2012.
(KNN Bureau)
