Government e-Marketplace
Also called: GeM · Topic: Transparency, Accountability and e-Governance · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online portal for public procurement, which means the government buying goods and services. It was launched on 9 August 2016. Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules 2017 made its use mandatory. Because buying happens openly online, it brings transparency and more competition among sellers. It also brings in MSME, women-led and startup sellers.
Example
A government office that needs computers can compare sellers and prices on GeM and buy online. It does not have to rely on a closed tender, which is a formal bidding process that only a few firms may know about. Complaints about product quality and pricing on the portal continue.
Don't confuse with
- e-Procurement (an integrated MMP under NeGP): an earlier project for online tendering. GeM is a full marketplace where government buyers deal with registered sellers.