New Delhi, Mar 22 (KNN) The Government has implemented various measures to ensure the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) remains an inclusive and accessible platform for small and women-led enterprises, according to a written reply in the Rajya Sabha by Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The initiatives include specialised marketplace filters and product catalogue icons that distinguish products offered by women entrepreneurs in Direct Purchase and L1 procurement modes.
This feature provides enhanced visibility and accessibility, supporting compliance with the Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Order, 2012, as amended from time to time.
To strengthen forward market linkages for underrepresented groups, the government has established eight “vocalforlocal” GeM Outlet Stores.
These outlets specifically support Women, Startups, Self Help Groups, Artisans & Weavers, One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives, and Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Technical improvements have been implemented to simplify the onboarding process, including Application Programming Interface (API) integration with the Udyam MSME database.
This integration enables a streamlined two-step seller auto-registration process on the GeM platform.
The government has also established strategic partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key stakeholders including Laghu Udyog Bharati, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry Ladies Organisation (FLO), and Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), among others from industry, government, and non-profit sectors.
Outreach efforts include participation in industry exhibitions, fairs, roadshows, and events held at India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and India Exposition Mart Limited (IELM).
Additionally, the platform provides immersive onboarding experiences for sellers, from registration to product catalogue uploads, and showcases success stories to enhance interest among prospective sellers.
In the current financial year, 35 Weekly Seller Onboarding Workshops have been conducted in collaboration with MSME organisations such as Laghu Udyog Bharati, Amazon Saheli, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), FICCI, and Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India (ALEAP).
As an end-to-end online marketplace, GeM adheres to all relevant government rules, regulations, and guidelines governing public procurement.
The platform has implemented affirmative actions specifically for Women-led Micro & Small Enterprises and Startups, including exemptions from Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) submission, prior turnover, and prior experience requirements for Startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
(KNN Bureau)
