Shri Binoy Kumar, Member of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), emphasized the importance of a streamlined public procurement system in India. He spoke at a function held in New Delhi to commemorate the incorporation of Government e-Marketplace (GeM) as a not-for-profit company. Shri Binoy Kumar highlighted the need for efficient, transparent, and inclusive procurement processes in a democracy like India.
Shri Binoy Kumar commended the GeM team for their efforts in establishing a unified public procurement portal and achieving significant milestones in a short span of time. He recognized the role of GeM in transforming public procurement and creating a strong foundation for the system.
The CEO of GeM, Shri P.K. Singh, discussed the initiatives undertaken by GeM to promote the participation of government buyers, including central ministries, state departments, public sector enterprises, cooperative societies, and gram panchayats. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and innovation to address challenges and enhance the procurement system. Shri Singh mentioned the upcoming Chintan Shivir, a workshop aimed at identifying problem areas and finding innovative solutions.
During the event, the launch of the rebranded GeM Outlet Stores as #vocalforlocal GeM Outlet Stores was announced. These stores have played a significant role during the pandemic by providing e-market linkages for under-served seller groups, such as women, SC/ST and tribal entrepreneurs, startups, micro and small enterprises, artisans, weavers, khadi weavers, and bamboo producers. GeM has worked closely with various ministries to establish eight GeM Outlet Stores, providing access to markets and promoting the #vocalforlocal and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan initiatives.
GeM has registered 68,000 government buyers and 61.81 lakh sellers and service providers since its inception in 2016. Over 31.14 lakh products and 2,44,787 service catalogues are listed on the platform. GeM has fulfilled 1.51 crore orders worth Rs. 4.15 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). In FY 2022-23, GeM achieved the milestone of fulfilling over 50 lakh orders worth Rs. 2 lakh crore GMV in a single year. Notably, micro and small entrepreneurs (MSE) sellers have contributed 52.54% or Rs. 2.18 lakh crore to the cumulative GMV on the portal, showcasing their active participation in the public procurement market.