Source: News on Air
Context: Over 1 million manpower resources were hired through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in FY 2024–25, marking a major milestone in digital public procurement.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM):
- What is GeM?
- Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a paperless, cashless, and contactless online procurement platform used by Government Departments, PSUs, and ministries to acquire goods and services transparently and efficiently.
- Launched in: 2016
- Under Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Developed by: Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals (DGS&D) with support from National e-Governance Division (MeitY)
- Legal Mandate: Authorized under Rule 149 of General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017
- Governing Notification: Included under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961
- Core Objectives:
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- Enhance transparency and efficiency in public procurement.
- Speed up procurement cycles using digital tools.
- Achieve value for money through competitive bidding.
- Promote ease of doing business with simplified, system-driven transactions.
- Key Features of GeM:
- Comprehensive Digital Platform:
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- Offers over 33,000 services including manpower hiring.
- Functions as a one-stop procurement portal for government bodies.
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- E-Procurement Tools:
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- E-bidding, reverse auctions, and demand aggregation to ensure competitive pricing.
- Reduces human interface, minimizing corruption and delays.
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- Inclusive and Diverse Vendor Base: Empowers MSMEs, startups, SHGs, women entrepreneurs, and tribal artisans via dedicated storefronts.
- Innovation and Customization:
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- Bamboo Market Window launched in collaboration with National Bamboo Mission.
- Country of Origin tag mandatory to promote Make in India.
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- Labour Compliance & Service Level Agreements: Especially for manpower outsourcing services, ensures strict compliance through SLAs, promoting fair labour practices.
