The Government e‑Marketplace (GeM) is helping small businesses across India get more government contracts and sell surplus assets efficiently. So far, over 11.25 lakh small and micro businesses have secured government orders worth Rs 7.44 lakh crore, which is much higher than the 25% target set for small enterprises.
GeM is a digital platform that makes it easier for small sellers, startups, and women entrepreneurs to participate in government procurement. The platform has features like special filters for identifying small, women‑led, and SC/ST businesses, and relaxed rules for deposits and turnover requirements. This has allowed more small companies to compete for government contracts regardless of their size or location.
Women entrepreneurs are also benefiting. More than 2 lakh women-led businesses are now on GeM, winning contracts totaling over Rs 78,000 crore. Initiatives like Womaniya, which train and support women entrepreneurs, have encouraged them to participate actively and grow their businesses through government orders.
In addition to procurement, GeM helps government departments sell surplus assets through its Forward Auction module. Over the past four years, this has helped raise Rs 2,200 crore by auctioning items like scrap, old vehicles, machinery, e-waste, and unused properties. More than 13,000 auctions were conducted with participation from over 23,000 bidders and 17,000 auctioneers.
By making procurement and asset sales transparent, easy, and inclusive, GeM supports national initiatives like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. It allows small and medium businesses to grow, encourages women entrepreneurship, and ensures government assets are used efficiently.
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