The Government has introduced several measures to make the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) more inclusive and accessible to small and women-led enterprises.
These efforts aim to empower women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, startups, and local artisans.
Key initiatives include:
- Marketplace Filters: Product catalogue icons and filters to highlight items from women entrepreneurs, enhancing visibility in Direct Purchase/L1 procurement mode.
- Forward Market Linkages: Creation of 8 “vocal for local” GeM Outlet Stores to support women, startups, artisans, weavers, FPOs, and ODOP products.
- API Integration: Seamless seller auto-registration via Udyam MSME database integration.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with organizations like Laghu Udyog Bharati, FLO, and SEWA through MoUs.
- Seller Engagement: Participation in industry fairs and events and conducting 35 weekly onboarding workshops with MSME organizations like NRLM, FICCI, and ALEAP.
In addition, the platform complies with public procurement policies to support micro and small enterprises. Women-led enterprises and DPIIT-recognized startups enjoy benefits such as exemption from Earnest Money Deposit, prior turnover, and experience requirements.
Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada shared this information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, underlining the Government’s commitment to inclusivity and local enterprise promotion. Government e-Marketplace, GeM, Women Entrepreneurs, Small Enterprises, Inclusivity, MSMEs, Startups, Public Procurement, Vocal for Local, API Integration, Strategic Partnerships, Seller Onboarding, Artisans, Self Help Groups, ODOP, DPIIT, Local Artisans, GeM Platform
