TCS to develop advanced version of GeM; wins contract for running, maintaining the portal

TCS to develop advanced version of GeM; wins contract for running, maintaining the portal:

According to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest software exporter, has won the contract to run and maintain the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which is the government’s portal for public procurement. The government had invited bids for developing an advanced version of the portal, and TCS and Gurugram-based fintech platform Intellect Design Arena were reportedly the top bidders.

In 2017, the contract for designing, developing, and maintaining the GeM portal was awarded to Intellect Design Arena and software company Infibeam. Now, TCS will take over these responsibilities, indicating a transition in the management and operation of the portal.

The GeM portal plays a crucial role in promoting ease of doing business for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with a platform to participate in government procurement processes. The portal aims to simplify procurement procedures, improve transparency, and enhance efficiency in the procurement ecosystem.

With its software services expertise, TCS is expected to bring technological advancements and innovations to the GeM portal, further improving its functionality and user experience. This development reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and private-sector partnerships to enhance the efficiency of public procurement processes and support the growth of MSMEs in India.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the remarkable growth of public procurement on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) over the past three years. Since its launch in August 2016, the portal has witnessed a significant increase in cumulative gross merchandise value (GMV). In April this year, the portal crossed the milestone of Rs 4 lakh crore in GMV.

The growth trajectory of GeM demonstrates its effectiveness in streamlining the procurement process and facilitating transactions between the government and sellers. It took 1,771 days for GeM to reach the first Rs 1 lakh crore in GMV. However, the subsequent milestones were achieved at an accelerated pace. The time taken to add the next Rs 1 lakh crore GMV and reach a cumulative Rs 2 lakh crore was reduced by over 5.5 times to 316 days. Furthermore, the portal achieved Rs 3 lakh crore GMV in just 234 days and Rs 4 lakh crore in a mere 123 days.

This impressive growth indicates the increasing adoption of GeM by government agencies for their procurement needs. The platform’s user-friendly interface, transparent processes, and access to a wide range of sellers have contributed to its success. The rapid increase in GMV reflects the trust and confidence placed in GeM by both buyers and sellers.

The achievement of these milestones is a testament to the government’s efforts to promote digitalization and transparency in public procurement. GeM is crucial in promoting ease of doing business, supporting MSMEs, and driving economic growth. The continued growth and success of GeM will further contribute to the government’s objective of enhancing efficiency and promoting a level playing field in public procurement.

It is indeed commendable that the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a significant milestone by recording Rs 2 lakh crore in gross merchandise value (GMV) for the financial year 2022-23. The platform has played a crucial role in facilitating public procurement and promoting transparency and efficiency in government transactions.

Furthermore, as of June 28, GeM’s cumulative GMV has reached Rs 4.43 lakh crore, reflecting its continued growth and success. With 1.57 crore orders processed, GeM has emerged as a reliable and trusted platform for government agencies to fulfil their procurement requirements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message to GeM’s top performers highlights the significance of their contributions. Their efforts have strengthened India’s journey towards prosperity and fostered self-reliance. GeM’s success is a testament to the government’s vision of promoting digitalization, ease of doing business and creating a transparent and efficient procurement ecosystem.

By leveraging technology and providing a level playing field for sellers, GeM has empowered MSMEs and enabled them to participate in government procurement. This platform has played a crucial role in driving economic growth and supporting the government’s initiatives of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

The recognition and support from the Prime Minister further reinforce the importance of GeM’s role in transforming the public procurement landscape in India. Continued efforts to enhance the platform, expand its reach, and ensure a seamless procurement experience will contribute to the nation’s overall development and its citizens’ well-being.

It is great to hear that the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is continuously evolving to provide a more contemporary and modern system for its users. The upcoming enhancements, including data analytics capabilities, will further facilitate decision-making for buyers and sellers in the procurement process.

With over 69,000 government buyer organizations and a wide range of product and service categories, GeM has become a comprehensive platform to meet the procurement needs of the government. The portal’s extensive reach and diverse offerings contribute to its effectiveness in streamlining the procurement process and ensuring transparency.

The statement by the commerce ministry regarding the minimum savings of around 10% on the platform is a testament to GeM’s ability to generate significant cost savings. These savings, amounting to approximately Rs 40,000 crore of public money, highlight the efficiency and value that GeM brings to the government procurement ecosystem.

The ongoing efforts to enhance GeM’s functionality and improve the user experience are crucial in driving further efficiencies and maximizing the benefits for all stakeholders involved. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and continuous innovation, GeM can continue to play a pivotal role in transforming public procurement, promoting transparency, and driving economic growth in India.