Unlock government procurement opportunities in India with GEM registration. Learn the process, latest trends, product categories, and benefits for sellers. Start today.
GEM stands for Government e-Marketplace, which is an online platform launched by the Indian government in August 2016. The platform is designed to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various government departments, organizations, and public sector undertakings (PSUs) in India.
The GEM platform aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to the procurement process of the government. It eliminates the traditional procurement process, which was time-consuming, complex, and prone to corruption. The GEM platform provides a single-window access to vendors/suppliers to bid for government tenders and contracts.
The GEM platform operates on a central public procurement portal that integrates with the existing procurement systems of various government organizations. The platform is also designed to promote the participation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in government procurement, thereby providing them with an opportunity to expand their business.
As of December 2022, the platform had more than 60 lakh registered sellers or service providers, had transacted over 3.87 lakh crores worth of procurement. The GEM platform has emerged as a significant initiative of the Indian government to bring transparency and accountability in public procurement.
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LATEST TRENDS ON GEM
Here are some of the latest trends on the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) Portal in India:
1. Increased adoption of the platform: With the Indian government’s push towards digitalization and transparency, the adoption of the GEM platform has increased significantly. As of March 2021, the platform had more than 5.5 lakh registered sellers and 51,000 government buyers.
2. Expansion of categories: The GEM platform initially started with a limited number of categories for procurement. However, the platform has expanded to include new categories such as medical equipment, COVID-related items, and digital services.
3. Emphasis on MSMEs: The GEM platform has been promoting the participation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in government procurement. The platform has made it easier for MSMEs to register and bid for tenders, and has introduced initiatives such as the GeM Start-up Runway to encourage start-ups to participate in government procurement.
4. Increased use of technology: The GEM platform is leveraging technology to make the procurement process more efficient and transparent. The platform has introduced features such as e-bidding, reverse auction, and e-invoicing. The platform has also integrated with the Government e-Receipts Accounting System (GeRS) to provide real-time tracking of payments.
5. Focus on quality and sustainability: The GEM platform has introduced new quality standards and criteria for the procurement of goods and services. The platform has also introduced initiatives such as the Green GeM to promote the procurement of sustainable and eco-friendly products.
PRODUCT CATEGORIES
The Government e-Marketplace (GEM) in India covers a wide range of product categories for procurement by various government departments and organizations. Some of the popular product categories on the GEM platform include:
1. Office Stationery and Supplies: This category includes various items such as files and folders, paper products, writing instruments, and office equipment.
2. Computer and Peripherals: This category covers products such as desktops, laptops, printers, scanners, and other computer peripherals.
3. Security and Surveillance: This category includes products such as CCTV cameras, access co ntrol systems, fire alarm systems, and other security and surveillance equipment.
4. Medical Equipment and Supplies: This category includes products such as hospital beds, medical instruments, surgical equipment, and other medical supplies.
5. Electrical and Electronic Equipment: This category includes products such as generators, transformers, batteries, inverters, and other electrical and electronic equipment.
6. Furniture and Furnishing: This category includes products such as office furniture, home furniture, and furnishing items.
7. Vehicles: This category covers products such as cars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles used by various government organizations.
8. Sports Goods: This category includes products such as sports equipment, fitness equipment, and other related items.
9. Construction Materials and Services: This category covers products such as cement, bricks, steel, and other construction materials, as well as services related to construction.
10. Printing and Publication: This category includes products such as books, magazines, brochures, and other printing and publication materials.
11. Agriculture: This category includes products such as fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and other agricultural inputs.
12. Chemicals and Petrochemicals: This category covers products such as chemicals, petrochemicals, dyes, and other related products.
13. Food and Beverages: This category includes products such as packaged food, beverages, catering services, and other related items.
14. Textiles and Apparel: This category covers products such as textiles, garments, uniforms, and other related items.
15. Industrial Machinery: This category includes products such as industrial machinery, equipment, tools, and other related items.
16. Laboratory and Testing Equipment: This category covers products such as laboratory equipment, testing equipment, and other related items.
17. Transportation and Logistics: This category includes products such as logistics services, transportation services, and other related items.
18. Telecom and IT: This category covers products such as telecom equipment, IT hardware, software, and other related items.
19. Energy and Power: This category includes products such as solar panels, batteries, generators, and other related items.
20. Services: This category covers a wide range of services such as consultancy services, legal services, HR services, and other related services.
These are some of the popular product categories on the GEM platform. However, the platform covers many other categories, and the list keeps expanding to cater to the diverse procurement needs of various government departments and organizations.
HOW GEM IS BENEFICIAL TO SELLERS
Government e-Marketplace (GEM) is beneficial to the sellers in several ways. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Access to a large market: GEM provides access to a large market of over 1500 government entities, including central and state government departments, public sector units (PSUs), and autonomous bodies. This helps sellers to expand their reach and tap into a vast government procurement market.
2. Transparent and fair procurement process: GEM provides a transparent and fair procurement process, ensuring equal opportunities for all sellers. The platform ensures that all procurement activities are conducted in a transparent and fair manner, promoting fair competition.
3. Cost-effective: GEM is a cost-effective platform as it reduces the need for physical tendering processes, saving time and costs for both buyers and sellers. Sellers can participate in tenders and procurements through the platform without incurring any additional costs.
4. Easy to use: GEM is an easy-to-use platform, making it easy for sellers to participate in government procurement activities. The platform provides a user-friendly interface, and the registration process is straightforward.
5. Prompt payment: GEM ensures prompt payment to the sellers for the products and services supplied. The platform provides an online payment gateway, ensuring timely payment to the sellers.
6. Empowering MSMEs: GEM is especially beneficial for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), providing them with an equal opportunity to participate in government procurement activities. The platform helps MSMEs to expand their reach, increase their revenue, and grow their businesses.
REGISTRATION ON GEM PORTAL
If you are looking to register on the GEM platform as a seller, you can follow these steps:
1. Visit the GEM portal at https://gem.gov.in/ and click on the “Sign Up” button on the top right corner of the homepage.
2. You will be directed to the registration page. Select the appropriate user type, such as “Seller” or “Service Provider,” and provide your basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number.
3. Verify your mobile number and email ID by entering the OTPs sent to them.
4. Fill in the required details such as company information, PAN details, GST details, Bank account details, and other relevant information.
5. Upload the necessary documents such as PAN card, GST certificate, company registration certificate, and bank account details.
6. Submit the registration form for review.
7. Once your registration is approved, you will receive a login ID and password to access the platform.
It is important to note that GEM registration is free of cost. Also, it is mandatory for all sellers/service providers to have a valid GST registration to register on the GEM platform.
Caution Money Deposit Fees or GEM Registration Fees:
A seller or service provider needs to deposit the Caution Money Deposit Fees for GEM Registration and is to be paid at the time of registration and are vary depending on the turnover of the Seller:
- Seller Turnover less than 1 Crore – Rs. 5,000/-
- Seller Turnover exceeds 1 Crore but Upto 10 Crores – Rs. 10,000/-
- Seller Turnover more than 10 Crores – Rs. 25,000/-
- Vendor Assessment Fees – Rs. 11,200 + GST.
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Disclaimer:- The above information is purely and solely for informative purposes. This in no way should be construed to be any professional advice, as these are merely general information and our interpretations of the laws and the Act. Viewers are requested to consult us before taking any action based on our interpretations. Circulation of any information in our name without our permission is not allowed.
The author may be reached at: csmalkitsingh@gmail.com or +91-9711975109
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