From a small digital procurement platform to a major marketplace connecting government buyers with millions of businesses, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has emerged as a key tool changing how public purchases are made in India.
The platform has helped expand access to government procurement opportunities, especially for micro and small enterprises (MSEs), by moving purchases from traditional processes to a transparent online system.
According to the Commerce and Industry Ministry, procurement from MSEs through GeM has grown from just Rs 69 crore in 2016–17 to more than Rs 8.69 lakh crore currently, while the number of orders has increased from 2,994 to over 2.17 crore during the same period.
The registration of MSEs on the platform has also seen a massive rise, increasing from 2,396 in 2016–17 to over 11.9 lakh at present.
Government e-Marketplace (#GeM) has opened new opportunities for small businesses across India.
More than 11 lakh MSEs received orders worth over ₹2.36 lakh crore, demonstrating how digital public platforms can democratise access to government procurement. #12YearsOfSeva pic.twitter.com/0TNcas9WXZ
— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 9, 2026
What is Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?
GeM is a digital platform created to enable government departments, organisations and public sector buyers to purchase goods and services online.
The platform allows sellers to register, list their products and participate in government procurement through digital bidding, direct purchase and transparent contracting processes.
By reducing manual procedures and increasing digital monitoring, GeM has helped simplify access to government supply chains for businesses of different sizes.
MSEs gain wider access
GeM has played a major role in bringing smaller businesses into public procurement, allowing them to compete for government orders that were earlier difficult to access.
The platform has also increased participation among groups that traditionally had limited representation in government buying.
Key developments include:
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Women-owned MSEs: Registration increased from 268 in 2016–17 to over 2.16 lakh, while procurement value rose from Rs 8 crore to more than Rs 93,327 crore.
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Startups: Participation grew from 88 entities to over 40,000, with procurement increasing from Rs 2 crore to over Rs 61,400 crore.
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SC/ST MSEs: Registered enterprises increased from 38 to more than 66,000, with procurement value crossing Rs 21,800 crore.
Beyond procurement
The platform has also supported essential public services, especially healthcare requirements.
The Commerce and Industry Ministry said GeM facilitated procurement of more than 324 crore vaccine doses and 199 crore syringes. It has also supported purchases of medical kits for Vande Bharat trains, diagnostic equipment and healthcare-related supplies.
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Technology powering digital buying
GeM has continued to evolve by using artificial intelligence-based tools, analytics, digital monitoring systems and transparent auction mechanisms.
These systems are aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and user experience while strengthening transparency in government procurement.
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, GeM continues to function as a digital bridge between government institutions, entrepreneurs and businesses, expanding participation in the country’s public procurement ecosystem.