The government e-marketplace (GeM) has achieved remarkable growth in micro and small enterprise participation, with registrations surging from 2,396 in 2016–17 to over 11.9 lakh at present, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This dramatic expansion has transformed the platform into a major digital procurement hub for small businesses across India, enabling participation of enterprises of all sizes through online onboarding and transparent bidding mechanisms. Since its inception on 9 August 2016, GeM has supported the transition from a largely manual and fragmented public procurement process to a digital and data-driven system that reduces human interface and improves transparency. As reported by Zee News, before GeM's introduction in 2016, getting a government contract was not easy for anyone starting out, with the system running largely on paperwork, personal contacts and familiarity with a bureaucratic process that took time and resources to navigate.
The financial impact of this expanded participation has been substantial, with procurement from MSEs growing from ₹69 crore to more than ₹8.69 lakh crore at present, while the number of orders increased from 2,994 to over 2.17 crore during the same period. As reported by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, this represents a significant shift toward inclusive procurement practices across government institutions, with GeM contributing to improving Ease of Doing Business by allowing structured and transparent access to government procurement opportunities. The platform has facilitated over 324 crore vaccine doses and 199 crore syringes, along with medical kits for Vande Bharat trains, diagnostic equipment and various healthcare-related supplies and services. According to Zee News, GeM changed the equation by putting the entire process online, allowing sellers to register from anywhere in the country, list products or services, receive orders and track payments without needing a broker or contact inside a government office.
The platform has particularly enabled participation of traditionally under-represented groups, with women-owned MSEs on GeM increasing from 268 in 2016–17 to over 2.16 lakh, while procurement value rose from ₹8 crore to more than ₹93,327 crore. Similarly, startup participation has grown from 88 to over 40,000 entities, with procurement increasing from ₹2 crore to over ₹61,400 crore. Registered SC/ST MSEs have also increased from 38 to over 66,000, with procurement value exceeding ₹21,800 crore. According to GeM CEO Mihir Kumar, the platform has enabled participation of enterprises, including MSEs, startups and local manufacturers, strengthening access to government procurement in a structured and transparent manner. Through online onboarding, transparent bidding mechanisms, digital contract management and end-to-end procurement processes, the platform has reduced entry barriers and facilitated participation of businesses in government supply chains, particularly benefiting women entrepreneurs who previously had limited access to government procurement opportunities.
Technology continues to play an important role in GeM's evolution, with the platform leveraging artificial intelligence-based tools, advanced analytics, digital monitoring systems and transparent auction mechanisms to improve efficiency, accountability and user experience across procurement processes. As India progresses toward the vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, GeM remains focused on strengthening digital procurement systems through innovation, improved user experience and adoption of best practices. The platform continues to function as a digital marketplace supporting government institutions, businesses and entrepreneurs, connecting local enterprises with government demand and enabling broader national priorities by enabling participation of MSEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, cooperatives and rural enterprises in public procurement. According to Zee News, while the playing field did not become perfectly level overnight, GeM has made the process significantly more accessible, reducing the advantages that established businesses with connections had in the traditional system.
