Govt Strengthens GeM Platform to Support Women-Led & Small Enterprises

24 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Government of India has introduced a range of initiatives to ensure the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) remains an inclusive and accessible platform, particularly for women-led enterprises, startups, artisans, and small businesses.

Key Measures for Women & MSMEs Marketplace filters & product icons distinguish women-led product catalogues for Direct Purchase/L1 procurement, enhancing visibility and accessibility. ‘Vocal for Local’ GeM Outlet Stores (8 established) provide market linkages for Women Entrepreneurs, Startups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Artisans, Weavers, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Seamless API integration with Udyam MSME database enables two-step seller auto-registration on the platform. MoUs signed with key organisations such as Laghu Udyog Bharati, FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), and Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) to expand outreach. Active participation in trade fairs, roadshows, and exhibitions at venues like India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and India Exposition Mart Limited (IELM). Immersive seller onboarding includes product catalogue support and success stories to boost engagement. 35 weekly onboarding workshops conducted in collaboration with Amazon Saheli, NRLM, ALEAP, and others.

Support for Startups Startups registered with DPIIT benefit from:

Exemption from Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) submission Waiver of prior turnover & experience requirements Dedicated functionality on GeM for bid exemption approvals

As a fully digital procurement platform, GeM ensures compliance with public procurement policies, including the Public Procurement Policy for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) Order, 2012. This information was provided by Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, in a Rajya Sabha reply today.

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