GeM (Government e-Marketplace) Empowers a New Wave: 1.85 Lakh Women-Led MSMEs & 31,000 Startups Break Barriers!

Image Source: The United Indian

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a significant milestone towards inclusive economic growth by empowering 1,85,408 women-owned MSMEs and 31,005 DPIIT-certified startups, stated Union Minister Piyush Goyal. The digital procurement platform is revolutionizing public procurement through transparency, efficiency, and accessibility for small enterprises and entrepreneurs from all over India.

Major Points:

Historic Inclusion: Right from its launch in 2016, GeM has made it a point to include women entrepreneurs and start-ups. Women-owned MSMEs currently account for a considerable percentage of GeM's seller base, with more than 1.85 lakh enterprises onboarded and actively engaging in government procurement.
Startups on the Up: More than 31,000 startups have been enabled by GeM, which together have completed orders worth over ₹38,500 crore. This makes GeM a growth and innovation driver of India's startup ecosystem.
Breakthrough Procurement: FY25 saw GeM complete over 72 lakh orders worth more than ₹5.43 lakh crore, which showcases the platform's size and influence on public procurement of the government.
Targeted Interventions: GeM's SWAYATT program and associations with institutions such as FICCI Ladies Organisation and SEWA have broken barriers for women and small enterprises, offering training, onboarding assistance, and direct market access.
Ease of Doing Business: Sudden reforms that have taken place are eased seller registration through Udyam MSME database integration and marketplace filters to enhance visibility for women-led businesses. Exclusive "Womaniya" stores and "Vocal for Local" GeM Outlet Stores additionally increase prospects for women, startups, and SHGs.
Social Impact: GeM efforts have made access to government contracts democratized, created hyper-local jobs, and helped drive inclusive, gender-balanced economic growth.

By redefining public procurement and promoting a level playing field, GeM keeps empowering women entrepreneurs and startups, leading India to an improved economic future that is more equitable and innovative.

Sources: IANS, Tripura Times, Economic Times