Envisioned in 2016, Government e Marketplace (GeM) has revolutionised public procurement through transparency, efficiency and innovation. Developed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, it now serves as a trusted, end-toend digital platform. Satya Narayan Meena, Additional CEO & CFO of Government e Marketplace, in conversation with Nijhum Rudra of Elets News Network (ENN) highlights GeM’s role in empowering 30,000 startups driving over ₹37,460 crore in business. With a GMV of ₹5.4 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, GeM stands as a national catalyst for inclusive, digital governance. Edited excerpts:

What is the primary objective behind the establishment of the Government e Marketplace (GeM), and how is it linked to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry? What is its core purpose?

The concept of the Government e Marketplace (GeM) was introduced towards the end of 2016 by our honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, with the vision of transforming public procurement in India. At that time, it was recognised that the existing procurement system was highly centralised, lacked transparency and suffered from information asymmetry, which led to numerous complaints and inefficiencies. To address these challenges, the government envisioned leveraging technology to create a comprehensive, end-to-end public procurement platform. This e-commercebased platform was designed to streamline the procurement process, making it more efficient, transparent and accessible. As part of this initiative, the GeM community marketplace was established, providing a modern, user-friendly online platform where government departments and public sector units can procure goods and services seamlessly, ensuring transparency, fairness, and broader participation.

What are the key challenges faced in the area of public procurement, particularly in terms of competition from private sector peers or platforms?

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) is fundamentally a dedicated platform for government procurement, specifically designed for central ministries, PSUs, CPSEs, and other state and central government-affiliated bodies to procure goods and services. To institutionalise its use, an amendment was made to the General Financial Rules, mandating that all public procurement of goods and services available on GeM must be routed through this platform. In its early stages, significant efforts went into stakeholder engagement, awarenessbuilding, and promoting acceptance across departments. Today, GeM has been widely adopted, and its impact is evident. In the financial year 2024–25, the platform achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹5.4 lakh crore, successfully completing over 72 lakh orders. Since its inception, GeM has helped the government save approximately ₹1.15 lakh crore, as studies have shown an average saving of over 10% through procurement on the platform—highlighting its efficiency, transparency, and value-driven approach.

What is your perspective on the startup ecosystem, and how does the mission of GeM align with the broader vision of promoting startups in India?

The Startup Mahakumbh initiative, launched last year and further expanded this year, is a visionary concept introduced by the Government of India under the leadership of DPIIT. It aims to foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and create a robust platform for startups across the country. The Government e Marketplace has been actively involved in this initiative from its very first edition, and its role has become even more prominent in the second edition. To support the startup ecosystem more effectively, GeM has launched a dedicated program known as the GeM Startup Runway.

This initiative serves as a special-purpose vehicle to onboard and empower DPIIT-recognised startups. Startups registered under the 14 defined segments approved by DPIIT can directly enroll on the GeM platform through the Startup Runway. Once onboarded, these startups can showcase their innovative products and participate in government procurement opportunities. They are eligible to bid for tenders and supply to various government institutions and departments, thus gaining access to a significant and reliable market. This initiative not only facilitates market access for startups but also helps the government adopt cutting-edge solutions and support homegrown innovation.

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How does the GeM Startup Runway initiative empower startups, and what opportunities does it offer for scaling through government procurement?

The moment a startup lists its offerings on the GeM platform and presents competitive pricing or discounts, it becomes eligible to participate in large-scale government procurement opportunities. This creates a significant avenue for startups to scale by engaging with a diverse range of government buyers across multiple sectors. I would especially like to highlight the remarkable progress we’ve seen so far—over 30,000 startups have already registered on GeM through the Startup Runway initiative. Collectively, these startups have conducted business worth more than ₹37,460 crore, demonstrating not only the platform’s effectiveness but also the immense potential it holds for emerging enterprises.

This is a massive opportunity for India’s startup ecosystem, and I encourage all eligible and aspiring startups to take full advantage of it. By joining the GeM platform, startups can access a trusted, transparent, and vast marketplace that directly supports innovation, drives visibility, and fosters growth through government partnerships.

In what ways does the Government e Marketplace (GeM) contribute to promoting transparency and efficiency in public procurement?

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has revolutionised public procurement by creating a unified digital platform that ensures end-to-end transparency, from product listing to payment. By eliminating manual processes and middlemen, GeM reduces the risk of corruption and delays. All transactions are recorded digitally, providing a clear audit trail and enabling real-time monitoring. The platform also offers price comparison, vendor ratings, and performance tracking, which helps buyers make informed decisions. Additionally, e-bidding and reverse auctions foster healthy competition, driving down procurement costs. Overall, GeM enhances efficiency, accountability, and trust in government purchases.

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