Introduction

India is undergoing a digital transformation, and at the center of this change in government procurement lies the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). While many associate it with large enterprises supplying to ministries and public sector units, the real game-changer has been the growing participation of local sellers, artisans, MSMEs, and small traders. GeM portal registration has opened the doors of government procurement to every capable seller, breaking barriers and democratizing access.

This article explores how GeM portal registration is empowering local sellers and transforming public procurement in India.

What is the GeM Portal?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform launched by the Government of India in 2016 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its goal is simple: to make government buying faster, more transparent, and inclusive.

Government departments, ministries, and PSUs use GeM to buy goods and services directly from registered sellers. These can include:

• Office supplies

• IT hardware

• Furniture

• Transportation services

• Consultancy, and more

GeM is like an Amazon for government procurement but with strict rules, digital verification, and a focus on fair trade.

Why GeM Registration Matters for Local Sellers

Traditionally, local businesses found it hard to sell to the government due to:

• Lengthy paperwork

• Biased tendering systems

• High entry barriers

• Lack of information

GeM registration has removed many of these hurdles, offering small and local sellers a chance to:

• Bid directly for government contracts

• Get paid faster

• Enjoy equal opportunity to compete

Let’s look at the core reasons why GeM registration is a powerful tool for grassroots entrepreneurship.

Equal Access to Big Buyers

The Indian government is the biggest buyer in the country. With GeM registration, even small sellers in tier-2 or tier-3 cities can now:

• Sell directly to central and state departments

• Offer products or services without middlemen

• Access real-time demand and bidding opportunities

A local manufacturer in Rajasthan can sell furniture to a ministry in Delhi without stepping out of his state.

Digital Empowerment of Small Sellers

The entire GeM ecosystem is digital from registration to catalog upload, bidding, order management, and payment. This means:

• Sellers don’t need brokers

• They get full control over pricing and inventory

• Every transaction is recorded and trackable

Even small-scale producers with a basic internet connection and GST number can go live on the platform.

Boost for “Vocal for Local” and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The government actively promotes local sourcing through GeM. MSMEs, artisans, self-help groups (SHGs), and startup sellers are given preference through:

• Reserved bidding

• Price preference policies

• Special product categories (like Khadi, tribal products)

This gives rural and semi-urban entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their offerings nationally.

Transparent Bidding and Reverse Auctions

GeM uses transparent e-bidding and reverse auction features. This helps ensure:

• Only quality and competitively priced products are bought

• Sellers don’t lose out due to favoritism or hidden deals

• Small sellers can win based on merit, not connections

Timely Payments and Order Security

Government buyers are required to release payment within 10 days of product delivery and acceptance. This is faster than traditional tenders.

Sellers also benefit from:

• Real-time order tracking

• Grievance redressal through the GeM portal

• Secure payment gateways

This builds trust and ensures business continuity.

How to Register on the GeM Portal

Here’s a simplified step-by-step process for sellers:

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

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

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

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

Complete Registration: After verification, your registration is complete.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documents Required for GeM Seller Registration

• PAN card

• Aadhaar card

• Business registration certificate

• Bank account details

• Address proof

• GSTIN (optional for some categories)

• Udyam/MSME registration (for benefits)

Special Features for Local Sellers on GeM

L1 Purchase Policy

If a small seller is within 15% of the lowest bid price (L1), they can be offered up to 25% of the order quantity, even if they’re not the cheapest.

Startup and SHG Corner

Dedicated sections for startups, SHGs, artisans, and tribal product sellers to showcase their goods.

OEM and Reseller Models

Both manufacturers and resellers can sell products on GeM, allowing more participation from small distributors.

Challenges Faced by Local Sellers on GeM

While the platform is powerful, some issues remain:

• Digital literacy gaps in rural areas

• Difficulty in navigating bidding for first-timers

• Shipping and logistics for distant orders

• Delays in buyer responses in some cases

However, the government and GeM support teams are working to make improvements with regular training, webinars, and help centers.

Future of GeM and Local Business Integration

The GeM portal is expected to:

• Integrate with ONDC for hybrid retail-government procurement

• Expand multilingual access for rural users

• Support logistics partnerships for remote sellers

• Encourage sustainability-linked products and services

With over 1 crore products and 60,000+ buyers, the potential is massive.

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Conclusion

GeM Portal registration has truly transformed government procurement into a level playing field. What once was an exclusive market for big corporations is now open to local sellers, women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, tribal producers, and startups.

It’s more than just a registration, it’s a gateway to growth, visibility, and financial inclusion. Whether you’re a small manufacturer, home-based artisan, or emerging brand, the GeM portal gives you a national stage to perform and profit.

If you're a local business owner, now is the best time to register and go digital with GeM.