The Government e Marketplace (GeM) is the official online portal in India dedicated to the end-toend procurement of common-use goods and services by various government departments, organizations, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
Core Pillars of GeM
Launched on August 9, 2016, by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GeM is built on three central pillars:
- Transparency: Every transaction is digitally recorded, ensuring fair competition and visibility for all stakeholders.
- Efficiency: Standardizes procedures and automates the procurement cycle, which has historically reduced costs by an average of nearly 10%.
- Inclusiveness: Provides direct market access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and women entrepreneurs.
Key Features and Functions of GeM
- Mandatory Use: Under Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, all central government ministries and departments are mandated to use GeM for their procurement needs.
- Procurement Methods: The platform supports multiple buying methods depending on the order value:
- Direct Purchase: For orders up to ₹25,000.
- L1 Comparison: For orders between ₹25,000 and ₹5,00,000, where buyers compare at least three different manufacturers.
- E-Bidding/ Reverse Auction: Mandatory for orders exceeding ₹5,00,000 to ensure the best value for money.
- Managed Operations: The platform is owned and managed by GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), a 100% government-owned, non-profit company.
- Scale: As of April 2026, GeM has achieved a cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹18.4 lakh crore, with over 23 lakh active sellers and 1.6 lakh buyer organizations registered.
