Overview
On August 11, 2026, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared an article written by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal. The article outlines the achievements of the GeM platform over the past decade.
Key Developments
- GeM has enabled transparent procurement, allowing wider participation from vendors.
- The platform’s technology‑driven design has strengthened the Ease of Doing Business in India for the last 10 years.
- GeM has created better opportunities for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.
- Public procurement through GeM is now more competitive and inclusive, reducing the dominance of a few large suppliers.
Important Facts
The article highlighted that GeM’s digital infrastructure has reduced transaction costs, shortened procurement cycles, and increased the number of registered sellers. It also noted a steady rise in participation from women‑owned enterprises, reflecting the government’s focus on gender‑inclusive growth.
Exam Relevance
Understanding GeM is crucial for GS‑3 (Economy) as it illustrates how technology can reform public spending, improve fiscal efficiency, and support the public procurement ecosystem. For GS‑2 (Polity), the role of the Prime Minister and the Union Minister in promoting such initiatives showcases policy‑making and inter‑departmental coordination.
Way Forward
To sustain the momentum, the government may focus on:
- Expanding digital literacy among small vendors, especially in rural areas.
- Integrating more state‑level procurement systems with GeM for uniformity.
- Introducing incentives for women‑owned enterprises to further boost participation.
- Continuously monitoring performance metrics to ensure transparency and cost‑effectiveness.
These steps will deepen the impact of GeM, reinforce the Ease of Doing Business, and strengthen India’s inclusive growth agenda.