The government has implemented various measures to make the Government e-Marketplace more inclusive and accessible for small and women-led enterprises. Key features include marketplace filters and product catalog icons that highlight product catalogs by women entrepreneurs in Direct Purchase or L1 procurement modes. The platform provides forward market linkages for women, startups, self-help groups, artisans, weavers, farmers’ producer organizations, and others through the establishment of eight “vocal for local” GeM outlet stores.
API integration with the Udyam MSME database has simplified the seller registration process, enabling two-step auto-registration on the platform. Memorandums of Understanding have been established with key industry and nonprofit players, including Laghu Udyog Bharati, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organization, and the Self Employed Women’s Association. The government has also participated in industry exhibitions, fairs, roadshows, and events to enhance visibility for women-led enterprises.
The initiative has included immersive onboarding processes for sellers, from registration to product catalog uploads, and showcases seller success stories to inspire and engage prospective sellers. In the current financial year, 35 weekly seller onboarding workshops have been conducted in collaboration with organizations like Laghu Udyog Bharati, Amazon Saheli, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
GeM complies with government procurement rules and regulations, offering affirmative actions for women-led micro and small enterprises as well as startups. Marketplace filters and catalog icons ensure greater visibility for women entrepreneurs. Startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade benefit from exemptions for earnest money deposit submission, prior turnover, and experience, with functionalities on the GeM portal enabling buyers to provide these exemptions while creating bids.
These measures reaffirm the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting women-led and small enterprises through the GeM platform.
