What is GeM Portal (Government e-Marketplace)
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a government run e-commerce portal. GeM is a one stop online National Public Procurement Portal for all government organizations. The platform provides opportunities for businesses of all sizes to sell their goods and services to government buyers across the country. The government under the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961 had begun the GeM in 2017. The main objective of the GeM is to ensure transparency, efficiency and promptness in the procurement of supplies
GeM shall cover the entire procurement process right from vendor registration to order fulfillment and payment. GeM ensures to enhance transparency and efficiency in the procurement process. It is a trust-based system with minimal manual intervention. GeM was initiated in order to bring refoem and consistency in public procurement process and remove the existing malpractices due to buyer- supplier interaction.
GeM shall cover the entire procurement process right from vendor registration to order fulfillment and payment. GeM ensures to enhance transparency and efficiency in the procurement process. It is a trust-based system with minimal manual intervention. GeM was initiated in order to bring refoem and consistency in public procurement process and remove the existing malpractices due to buyer- supplier interaction.
Background of GeM
The Government e-Marketplace initiative owes its beginning to the proposals of two Groups of Secretaries made to the Hon’ble Prime Minister in January 2016. They suggested setting up of a devoted e-market for various products and services procured/sold by Government/PSUs other than improving DGS&D. Along these lines, the Hon’ble FM in his Budget discourse for FY 2016-17, declared setting up of an innovation driven stage to encourage procurement of products and services by different Ministries and offices of the Government. DGS&D with expert help of NeGD (MeitY) has created GeM portal for procurement of both Products and Services. The portal was launched on 09th August 2016 by the Hon’ble Commerce and Industry Minister. Procurement on GeM has been approved by GFR by including Rule 141A (DoE OM dated third May 2016). Presently more than 7400 products in about 150 product categories and hiring of transport service are available on GeM POC portal. Transactions for more than Rs 140 Crore have already been processed through GeM. It is a totally paperless, cashless and framework driven e-commercial center that empowers acquisition of regular use merchandise and services with negligible human interface.
Benefits of Registration of your Business / Service in GeM
GeM offers a number of advantages to sellers. Some of the benefit are listed as under:
- Papaerless, contactless and Cashless registration.
- Direct access to over 43,000 buyers’ organizations including Central government buyers, PSUs, all states and UTs.
- No middleman- sell directly to the government
- Timely payments
- Timely delivery acceptance
- No more searching for tender notices in papers and magazines
- Minimal marketing efforts and expense
- Approximately 45% of contacts on GeM have been awarded to MSMEs.
- One stop shop for bids/ tenders of all products/ services procured by huge numbers of government buyers
- Dynamic pricing allows MSEs to change price based on market conditions
- Freedom from product registration
- GeM portal has API integration with Udyog Aadhaar, sellers can validate their MSME status through Udyog Aadhar without the need to upload or submit any proof to any authority in GeM
- GeM portal is working with MSME ministry for ensuring that items reserved for MSE are mandatorily procured from MSEs only.
- Minimal Manual intervention
- Transparency and efficiency in procurement process
- Provide optimal value for money to the registered user
- Helps encourage small business units /individuals to do business with the government
- Increase access for procurement like broader outreach, wider variety of goods and services
Steps for Starting Selling on GeM Portal are broadly as follows
1. Business RegistrationThe firm willing to sell on GeM portal or generally starting a legal business model would require to incorporate a new Private Limited Company or LLP, if required.
2. Tax RegistrationAadhar, PAN, GSTN registration numbers needs to be obtained.
3. Bank Account LinkA Bank account needs to be opened and registered with name of the business firm.
4. GeM RegistrationGeM Seller or service provider registration to be completed by registering online and providing required information and documents.
5. E-Sign Terms and ConditionsAfter all requisite forms are filled up, GeM terms and conditions needs to be e-signed.
6. KnowledgeLearn selling on GeM portal, usage of GeM Dashboard and procedures.
7. Begin Selling
2. Tax RegistrationAadhar, PAN, GSTN registration numbers needs to be obtained.
3. Bank Account LinkA Bank account needs to be opened and registered with name of the business firm.
4. GeM RegistrationGeM Seller or service provider registration to be completed by registering online and providing required information and documents.
5. E-Sign Terms and ConditionsAfter all requisite forms are filled up, GeM terms and conditions needs to be e-signed.
6. KnowledgeLearn selling on GeM portal, usage of GeM Dashboard and procedures.
7. Begin Selling
The following documents are required for Seller Registration
- PAN CARD
- UDYOG ADHAR or COMPANY REGISTRATION or LLP REQUIREMENTS
- VAT/ TIN NUMBER (of applicable)
- BANK ACCOUNT & SUPPORTING KYC DOCUMENT
- IDENTITY PROOF
- ADDRESS PROOF
- CANCELLED CHEQUE COPY