Dec 22: The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has emerged as a powerful enabler of inclusive economic growth by providing Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), women entrepreneurs, SC/ST businesses and startups with direct access to government procurement opportunities. By leveraging a transparent and technology-driven digital platform, GeM is ensuring that enterprise size or location is no longer a barrier to participating in public procurement.
As of 30 November 2025, GeM has onboarded more than 11.25 lakh registered MSE sellers, who have collectively secured government orders worth ₹7.44 lakh crore. This accounts for 44.8 per cent of the total order value transacted on the platform, significantly exceeding the mandated annual procurement target of 25 per cent from MSEs. The figures highlight the growing confidence of government buyers in sourcing goods and services from smaller enterprises across the country.
Women-led enterprises, in particular, have recorded a notable rise in participation. Over two lakh women-owned MSEs are currently active on GeM and have secured cumulative orders worth ₹78,066 crore. Their increased presence is supported through initiatives such as Womaniya, which focus on onboarding, training, and enabling women entrepreneurs to navigate procurement processes effectively. These efforts are helping women-owned businesses gain visibility and compete on an equal footing with larger players.
GeM’s success in expanding MSE participation is closely linked to its policy-aligned features. The platform allows buyers to easily identify products and services offered by MSEs, including women-led and SC/ST-owned enterprises, through dedicated filters. Eligible MSE sellers also benefit from purchase preference policies, exemption or relaxation in Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) requirements, and flexibility in prior turnover and experience criteria. These measures aim to widen participation while maintaining transparency and accountability.
The impact of these provisions is evident in recent high-value transactions. In November 2025, FS Green Energies Private Limited, a women-led MSE from Vadodara, supplied renewable energy solutions worth over ₹53 crore to the Department of Heavy Industries. During the same period, Infrastructure Development and Management Services, an SC/ST-owned enterprise from Nagpur, supported surveillance infrastructure projects valued at ₹29 crore for the Central Government. Similarly, Mumbai-based startup Cloudstrats Technologies Private Limited delivered technology services amounting to ₹191 crore, demonstrating how startups can scale rapidly through government contracts.
Beyond facilitating transactions, GeM plays a critical role in strengthening transparency, speed and traceability in public procurement. The digital platform enables real-time monitoring of orders, payments and delivery, reducing procedural delays and enhancing trust among buyers and sellers. Importantly, it also enables enterprises from diverse regions and communities to access national-level procurement opportunities without intermediaries.
By integrating digital tools with progressive procurement policies, GeM aligns closely with the objectives of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The platform not only supports local manufacturing and services but also encourages entrepreneurship, regional participation and inclusive growth.
As government procurement systems continue to evolve, the expanding footprint of MSEs and women-led enterprises on GeM reflects a shift towards a more open, competitive and inclusive marketplace. The platform stands as a key instrument in ensuring that public spending translates into broader economic participation and sustainable nation-building.
 enables MSEs, women-led and SC/ST businesses to secure government orders worth ₹7.44 lakh crore){kind=link}