The Indian government is considering launching a mobile app for its Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, a platform used for procuring goods and services by government offices and public sector companies. This initiative is aimed at making GeM more accessible, particularly for micro and small businesses that constitute the majority of suppliers on the platform.
The move is viewed as a strategic step to expand the platform’s reach by transitioning the buying process from desktops to mobile phones, thereby enhancing coverage and accessibility. The Ministry of Commerce is currently reviewing proposals received for developing the GeM app.
Currently, GeM boasts nearly one million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as registered suppliers. The online portal, launched in 2016, aims to streamline and enhance transparency in the public procurement process. It is mandatory for government entities to procure goods and services through GeM. Both public and private sector companies, including MSMEs, can utilize GeM to sell their products and services, enabling small businesses to expand their market reach.
Vinod Kumar, president of the India SME Forum, emphasized the importance of a mobile app for sellers, stating that it would allow every small seller to offer their products. He noted that most major online marketplaces have mobile apps for both sellers and buyers, making desktop-based buying and selling a relic of the past.
The potential expansion of the buyer base on GeM, including the possibility of opening it up to individual buyers, could further accelerate the app’s potential to empower smaller businesses. This aligns with the government’s efforts to leverage the e-commerce market potential, as evidenced by the recent move to offer unique products under the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) category for individual buyers on GeM.
GeM has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with its gross merchandise value surpassing ₹ 4 trillion in FY24. In the current fiscal year (FY25), the GMV had already reached ₹ 1.85 trillion as of July 31st. The platform has also been actively expanding its reach through partnerships with organizations like the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the Institute for Environmental and Social Affairs, and the Confederation of Indian MSMEs to broaden opportunities for sellers and service providers.
