Govt Mulls Developing Mobile App Version for GeM Portal

According to two persons who know the issue, the Centre is evaluating a proposal to introduce a mobile app for the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, which public sector organisations and government offices use to procure products and services. If, approved the plan might make GeM more accessible for micro and small firms, which comprise most platform suppliers. The talks are still in their early stages.

This development is a calculated attempt to increase the platform’s reach by moving the purchasing procedure from desktop computers to mobile devices, allowing greater accessibility and coverage. Below, we will discuss it in depth.

About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

The Honourable Prime Minister decided to establish an online marketplace for various products and services acquired by government agencies, departments, and PSUs, following the advice of the Group of Secretaries. This required turning DGS&D into an internet marketplace where goods and services can be purchased and sold.

In a record five months, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) was established to enable online procurement of common usage goods and services needed by various government departments, organisations, and PSUs. GeM seeks to improve public procurement’s efficiency, speed, and transparency. It offers demand aggregation, reverse e-auction, and e-bidding solutions to help government users get the most for their money.

The Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, were published by notification dated December 8, 2017. The 32. Creation, management, and upkeep of the Government e-Marketplace National Public Procurement Portal. The Ministry of Finance has allowed and mandated government users’ purchases through GeM by introducing new Rule No. 149 to the General Financial Rules, 2017.

Ministry of Commerce Reviews Proposed GeM Portal App

The GeM portal’s app version has been proposed, and the Ministry of Commerce is currently analysing the plans that have been submitted. According to one of the two individuals mentioned, it is felt that the move would further democratise the marketplace, which has been successful so far in public procurement.

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Government Open the GeM Portal to Private Purchasers

Close to a million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are currently listed on the GeM portal. The portal was introduced in 2016 to improve public procurement transparency, efficiency, and speed for government departments, organisations, and public sector projects.

Governmental organisations must use the site to purchase goods and services. GeM enables enterprises in both the public and private sectors, especially MSMEs, to promote and sell their goods and services, helping small businesses grow.

“Every small seller would be able to offer his or her products if the platform is available on a smartphone,” stated Vinod Kumar, head of the India SME Forum. Both buyers and sellers can access mobile apps on most of the largest online marketplaces. Buying and selling on a desktop is outdated. These days, a mobile app is essential for many individuals such as:

Open to More Buyers

The Head of the India SME forum pointed out that if the marketplace were made more accessible to consumers, the app would significantly enable smaller firms to sell their goods. As reported in January, the list of buyers on GeM will probably be expanded to allow individual purchases. First, as reported, unique products falling under the “one district, one product” (ODOP) category will be made available to individual purchasers to capitalise on the potential of the e-commerce sector. There are 11,861 product categories accessible on GeM, and 141,422 buyers have registered.

Growing Market

The gross merchandise value of GeM exceeded the ₹4 trillion mark in FY24. As of July 31, the GMV had reached ₹1.85 trillion in the current fiscal year (FY25). In FY25, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and GeM inked a memorandum of agreement to promote increased acquisition of Indian defence goods and services through GeM. To increase the chances of vendors and service providers, it has partnered with organisations like the Confederation of Indian MSMEs and the Institute for Environmental and Social Affairs. The GeM CEO and the Ministry of Commerce had not responded to enquiries until publication.

Impact of the GeM Mobile App

The launch of the GeM portal’s mobile app is probably going to have a significant effect on Indian public procurement:

Enhanced User Convenience

A mobile app’s ease of use can help government officials and vendors streamline and shorten the time required for procurement procedures.

Increased Participation

The app is anticipated to be used by more small-scale suppliers, especially those from rural and semi-urban areas where mobile devices may be more convenient.

Enhanced Efficiency

Thanks to push alerts and real-time updates, transactions on the platform may move more quickly, shortening procurement cycle times and boosting supply chain effectiveness.

Transparency and Accountability

The mobile app, like the desktop version, will respect the GeM portal’s transparency criteria, guaranteeing accountability in public procurement and streamlining monitoring and reporting.

MSMEs’ Digital Empowerment

The mobile app can be a useful instrument for MSMEs, supporting their use of digital technologies to build their businesses. Additionally, it is consistent with the government’s overarching goal of enabling MSMEs through digitalisation. Businesses must proceed with GeM registration.

The GeM mobile app will empower MSMEs by enhancing their participation in public procurement through digitalisation. Perform MSME Registration today to leverage this platform and expand your business opportunities.

Merits of GeM Portal

The Public Procurement Portal for all Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Units (PSUs), and Associated Governments under the Federal and State governments is called the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). GeM works to improve the public procurement process’s efficiency, inclusivity, and transparency. These are the benefits of GeM. It serves as a centralised and uniform public procurement platform for suppliers of goods and services and government buyer organisations. It is supported by:

• Policy changes for the public procurement ecosystem’s present procedures
• Promoting Ease of Doing Business and inclusivity with the government (particularly for smaller organisations like MSMEs)
• process standardisation supported by the legal structure
• A fully automated system made possible by modern technology.
• A mobile app would offer a more practical and approachable UI than a web-based portal.
• Users can use GeM services whenever and wherever they choose.
• The app could improve the efficiency of several operations, including product search, bidding, and order placement.
• Promoting more digital transactions will support the government’s Digital India agenda.

Stakeholders of the GeM Portal

Below is the list of stakeholders of the GeM Portal:

Government Purchasers

GeM is used for procurement by several government agencies and public sector organisations.

Sellers

Companies of all sizes, from MSMEs to multinational corporations, list their goods and services on GeM.

GeM Authorities

The platform’s administrators oversee and control it to guarantee compliance and efficient functioning.

Financial Institutions

Sellers can obtain business loans and financial services from banks and non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) for operating and growth needs.

Features Expected in the GeM Mobile App

Though it is still in the conceptual stage, the app is anticipated to provide several features similar to the desktop site but optimised for mobile devices:

1. Registration and Onboarding

Easy registration with streamlined KYC verification procedures for buyers and sellers.

2. Product Listing

Quick access to product templates, catalogues, and simple product uploads.

3. Order Management

Order management includes notifications of new orders, real-time order tracking, and delivery progress updates.

4. Payments

Quick payments to vendors using a secure payment channel.

5. Push Notifications

alerts are out instantly for buyer enquiries, payment releases, and order confirmations.

6. Reports and Analytics

Obtain performance dashboards, business insights, and procurement data.

The mobile app will also interface with currently in-place government services and compliance frameworks to guarantee that procurement is still effective, transparent, and compatible with the law.

The Final Words

The government’s consideration of creating a mobile application for the GeM site highlights the potential to revolutionise public procurement in India. The software can encourage more involvement in the public procurement process by improving the platform’s usability and accessibility, particularly for MSMEs and small suppliers. The move to make public procurement more mobile-friendly also serves as further evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting digital transformation in several areas.

After its implementation, the GeM mobile app is anticipated to be a key component in improving government procurement’s inclusiveness, effectiveness, and transparency. It will support the GeM initiative’s ongoing success in India’s expanding digital economy. Maximize your MSME’s growth by registering on the GeM Portal by visiting our website Corpbiz and start now by accessing government contracts and expanding your business in the digital marketplace.

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