Government e-Marketplace Marks 9th Foundation Day; Records ₹5.4 Lakh Crore GMV in FY 2024–25

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day on August 8, 2025, marking a significant milestone with a remarkable ₹5.4 lakh crore GMV for FY 2024-25. This achievement is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 2 (Governance) and GS Paper 3 (Economy), as it highlights the platform's role in enhancing transparency and efficiency in government procurement. Last Updated: 2025-08-12

Key Facts About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

• GeM celebrated its 9th Foundation Day on August 8, 2025.
• The theme for the celebration was "Ease, Access, and Inclusion".
• GeM recorded transactions worth ₹5.4 lakh crore GMV in FY 2024-25.
• Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce.
• Mandatory for government procurement under General Financial Rules, 2017.
• Supports over 1 million MSEs and 184,000 women entrepreneurs.
• Introduced GeMAI, India’s first generative AI-powered public sector chatbot.
• Elimination of caution money for sellers.
• Rationalization of vendor assessment fees.
• Reduction in transaction charges, exempting 97% of orders.
• Focus on diverse enterprise inclusion in public procurement.
• Organized a GeM Seller Samvad on August 6, 2025.
• Emphasizes technology to enhance procurement processes.
• Supports sellers in remote and underserved areas.
• Committed to sustainability and next-generation technologies.
• GeM aims to transform public procurement into a more inclusive and efficient system.

India's Public Procurement Transformation

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a cornerstone in India's strategy to modernize public procurement. By recording a ₹5.4 lakh crore GMV in FY 2024-25, GeM significantly contributes to India's economic goals by promoting transparency and efficiency. This aligns with India's broader objectives of fostering inclusive growth and leveraging technology to streamline government processes. The platform's initiatives, such as supporting over 1 million MSEs and 184,000 women entrepreneurs, underscore its role in economic empowerment and social inclusion.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Startup India: Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, aligning with GeM's support for MSEs.
• Digital India: Aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society, complementing GeM's technology-driven approach.
• Make in India: Promotes manufacturing in India, supported by GeM's procurement policies.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Governance - Role of GeM in enhancing transparency and efficiency in public procurement.
• GS Paper 3: Economy - Impact of GeM on economic growth and support for MSEs.
• Prelims Angle: Questions on GeM's launch year, GMV figures, and key initiatives like GeMAI.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes on digital governance, public procurement reforms, and inclusive growth.
• Essay Paper: Topics on technology in governance and economic empowerment through digital platforms.

FAQ Section

• What is the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?

  GeM is an online platform launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce for government procurement, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in public purchases.

• Why is GeM important?

  GeM plays a crucial role in streamlining government procurement processes, supporting over 1 million MSEs, and recording a GMV of ₹5.4 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.

• What are the key features of GeM?

  Key features include the introduction of GeMAI, elimination of caution money, rationalization of vendor fees, and a focus on diverse enterprise inclusion.