How Government e-Marketplace is Boosting Efficiency and Transparency in Procurement

The government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform established by the Indian government to promote transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the procurement process. The platform, which was launched in 2016, seeks to provide a one-stopshop for government procurement and eliminate the need for individual departments to conduct their procurement processes.

GeM has significantly boosted efficiency and transparency in procurement in India in various ways. Here are some of the key ways that GeM is boosting efficiency and transparency in procurement:

1. GeM provides a centralized platform for government procurement. This eliminates the need for individual departments to conduct their procurement processes, which reduces duplication of effort and saves time and resources. Through a single platform, the government can manage all procurement activities, from tendering to payment, which enhances efficiency in the procurement process.

2. The geM promotes transparency in the procurement process. It ensures that all vendors are registered and verified, which enhances the credibility of the procurement process. GeM also ensures that all bids are available for public scrutiny, which promotes transparency and reduces the likelihood of corruption. By providing greater transparency in the procurement process, GeM has helped to build trust in the government procurement system.

3. GeM provides a cost-effective procurement system. It eliminates the need for physical tenders and reduces the transaction cost associated with procurement. This leads to cost savings for both the government and vendors, which ultimately benefits taxpayers. The platform also provides a wide range of vendors, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which increases competition and leads to better prices for the government.

4. GeM allows for faster procurement. It automates the entire procurement process, from tendering to payment, which reduces the time taken for procurement and leads to faster delivery of goods and services to the government. Through GeM, the government can procure goods and services quickly and efficiently, which is essential in ensuring that public services are delivered promptly.

5. The geM promotes standardization in the procurement process. It has a standardized bidding process, which makes it easier for vendors to participate in the procurement process. It also ensures that all vendors are evaluated based on the same criteria, which leads to a fair and impartial selection process.

6. GeM allows for real-time tracking of the procurement process. It provides greater visibility into the procurement process, which reduces the likelihood of delays or errors. Through real-time tracking, the government can identify and resolve any issues that may arise during the procurement process promptly.

7. GeM provides an electronic payment system, which eliminates the need for physical payment and reduces the risk of fraud. It also ensures that vendors receive payment in a timely and efficient manner. This has significantly improved the payment process, which was previously a significant challenge in government procurement.

In conclusion, GeM has significantly transformed the government procurement process in India by promoting efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. By providing a centralized platform, promoting transparency, providing a cost-effective system, allowing for faster procurement, and providing a wide range of vendors, GeM has enhanced the efficiency and transparency of the procurement process. GeM has not only boosted the efficiency of the procurement process but also contributed to improving public services by ensuring the timely delivery of goods and services to the government.