The Government e-Marketplace, also known as the GeM Portal, is a revolutionary platform launched by the Government of India to make public procurement more transparent, efficient, and inclusive. It allows government departments, ministries, and public sector units to buy goods and services directly from suppliers in a paperless and cashless environment.

Since its launch in 2016, the Gem registration has helped simplify the process of selling and buying for both government buyers and private sellers. But what makes GeM even more beneficial is its close connection with various government schemes designed to support businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Startups, Women Entrepreneurs, and other underrepresented groups.

In this article, we will explore in detail the various government schemes linked with the GeM portal, how they help different types of businesses, and how sellers can take advantage of these schemes by registering on the GeM platform.

What is GeM Portal?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform where government buyers can purchase goods and services from registered sellers. It offers a wide range of products such as office supplies, furniture, electronics, medical equipment, construction materials, and even services like manpower supply, consulting, and repair work.

GeM is a completely digital and paperless system, offering features like:

  • Transparent bidding

  • Reverse auctions

  • Price comparison

  • Vendor ratings

  • Direct purchase for small requirements

  • Bulk buying for large needs

GeM is managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and has helped reduce corruption, inefficiency, and delays in government procurement.

Objectives of Linking Government Schemes with GeM

Several government schemes are connected with the GeM portal to:

  1. Promote inclusion of MSMEs, startups, women-led businesses, SC/ST entrepreneurs, and handicraft units.

  2. Provide market access to businesses that often face challenges in selling to government departments.

  3. Encourage digital adoption among traditional and small-scale businesses.

  4. Ensure fair competition through open bidding and transparency.

  5. Offer financial support and benefits to businesses joining and selling on GeM.

Let’s now explore the major schemes linked with the GeM portal and how each one helps sellers succeed in public procurement.

1. Public Procurement Policy for MSEs (2012)

This is one of the most important schemes linked with GeM. Under this policy, all central government departments and public sector undertakings are required to purchase at least 25% of their annual procurement from Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).

Special Features:

  • 25% procurement reserved for MSEs

  • 4% sub-target for SC/ST entrepreneurs

  • 3% sub-target for women entrepreneurs

  • Exemption from EMD (Earnest Money Deposit)

  • Price preference of up to 15% may be given to MSEs

  • MSEs are allowed to match the L1 price (lowest price) if their bid is within 15%

2. Startup India Scheme

This scheme, launched in 2016, is aimed at supporting new and innovative businesses across sectors. Startups recognized by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) can register on GeM and receive special benefits.

Special Features:

  • Relaxed eligibility criteria for government tenders

  • No requirement of prior turnover or experience in some cases

  • Easier participation in innovation-driven projects

  • Exposure to public procurement without much paperwork

3. Stand-Up India Scheme

This scheme is focused on promoting entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women entrepreneurs by offering loans and market access.

Special Features:

  • Loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for greenfield enterprises

  • Focus on manufacturing, trading, and service sectors

  • Promotes financial and market inclusion

4. National SC/ST Hub Scheme

This scheme helps SC/ST entrepreneurs become part of the supply chain in public and private sectors, including government procurement through GeM.

Special Features:

  • Handholding support for GeM registration

  • Reimbursement of registration fees and marketing support

  • Vendor development programs

  • Awareness camps and exhibitions

5. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

Although not a direct GeM-linked scheme, the WEP by NITI Aayog supports women entrepreneurs in various ways, including enabling them to become GeM sellers.

Special Features:

  • Mentorship for business development

  • Guidance for GeM and government schemes

  • Access to finance and credit

  • Training and digital literacy

6. ODOP (One District One Product) Scheme

The ODOP scheme promotes products that are unique to a district. These are often handicrafts, traditional food items, or specialized goods.

Special Features:

  • Marketing support for district-specific products

  • Skill development for artisans and producers

  • GeM registration support for local sellers

  • Promoting rural and cultural products on a national scale

7. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

MUDRA offers loans to non-corporate small business segments. Many GeM sellers use this scheme to finance their initial production or inventory.

Special Features:

  • Loan amounts from ₹50,000 (Shishu) to ₹10 lakh (Tarun)

  • No collateral required

  • Available through banks, NBFCs, and MFIs

8. PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Launched in 2023, this scheme supports traditional artisans like blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, and cobblers.

Special Features:

  • Skill training and toolkits

  • Credit support of up to ₹1 lakh

  • Digital empowerment

  • Market linkages through GeM

9. National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)

NHDP supports craft-based livelihoods and artisans by providing training, toolkits, marketing support, and help in online selling.

Special Features:

  • Training on digital tools

  • Financial assistance for exhibitions

  • Support for design and packaging

  • GeM registration drives for artisans

How Sellers Can Register on GeM Portal

  1. Visit the GeM Website: Go to the official GeM registration portal.

  2. Enter Details: Fill in basic information like name, email, phone number, and date of birth.

  3. OTP Verification: Enter the OTP received via SMS or email.

  4. GeM Confirmation: A GeM representative will call to confirm your OTP.

  5. Complete Registration: After verification, your registration is complete.

  6. Get GeM ID: Receive your seller ID and login credentials via email.

  7. Set Up Profile: Log in, set up your profile and list your products.

  8. Submit Caution Money: You'll be notified to submit caution money.

  9. Select Product Listing: On the dashboard, click Product Listing to add new products or manage your existing ones.

  10. Choose Product Category: Pick the correct category for your product. This helps government buyers find your product easily.

  11. Start Selling: Your products are now visible to government buyers, and you can begin receiving orders.

Tips to Maximize Benefits from GeM-linked Schemes

  • Always update your Udyam or Startup certificate and link it with your GeM profile

  • Use correct category codes and keywords for product listings

  • Attend training sessions or webinars conducted by NSIC, GeM, or the MSME Ministry

  • Use financial help from schemes like MUDRA, CGTMSE to manage order deliveries

  • Monitor notifications and bid opportunities to respond in time

  • Request for help from facilitation centers if facing any technical difficulties

Note: Now, easily list your product on the Gem portal through the gem catalogue service

Conclusion

The GeM portal is not just a buying and selling platform. It is a powerful gateway for small and emerging businesses to enter the government procurement market. By linking GeM with various government schemes, the government is ensuring that entrepreneurs, artisans, startups, and MSMEs get equal opportunities to grow.

Whether you are a woman entrepreneur, a handicraft artisan, a startup founder, or a small manufacturer, there is a scheme for you that connects directly with GeM. All you need is the right registration, a willingness to learn the platform, and the readiness to deliver good products or services.

Start your journey today by exploring the scheme that suits your business and register yourself on GeM to unlock new opportunities.