GeM rewrites public procurement rules, says Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has transformed India’s public procurement system over the past decade, with its gross merchandise value (GMV) rising from Rs 422 crore to more than Rs 1.55 lakh crore.
Highlighting the platform’s growth in a post on X, Goyal said GeM has expanded access to government markets while improving competition, price discovery, efficiency and accountability in public procurement.“Over the last 10 years, the platform has enhanced competition, improved price discovery, reduced procurement cycle times, generated significant savings for the Government, and strengthened accountability through end-to-end digital procurement,” Goyal said.
The minister said the platform now has more than 12.28 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered, including over 2.25 lakh women-led enterprises. More than 42,000 startups are also registered on the portal, he added.According to Goyal, the expansion has helped make government procurement opportunities more accessible to MSEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups, artisans and weavers, while supporting initiatives such as Vocal for Local and Make in India.
GeM facilitates over Rs 20 lakh crore procurement
According to agency reports,a government factsheet said GeM currently connects more than 1.37 lakh government buyer organisations with nearly 25 lakh sellers and service providers.The platform has facilitated cumulative procurement worth more than Rs 20 lakh crore, marking a significant expansion since its launch a decade ago.
The digital marketplace currently offers more than 10,660 product categories and 350 service categories. These range from medical equipment, furniture and computers to fire safety products and handicrafts. Its service offerings include transport, catering, vehicle hiring and human resource services.The government said multiple procurement mechanisms, integrated payment systems and online contract generation have helped establish a transparent, end-to-end digital procurement process.
Focus shifts to AI and wider participation
As GeM enters its 11th year, the government is looking to further integrate technology into the public procurement ecosystem.According to the factsheet, artificial intelligence and broader participation will be key areas of focus, with the aim of improving transparency, efficiency and governance.Goyal said GeM is increasingly emerging as an important driver of self-reliance and a contributor to the foundation of a “Viksit Bharat”.The platform’s growth, the government said, also reinforces broader initiatives including Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Vocal for Local and Ease of Doing Business.