GeM Portal Registration and Its Role in Empowering Indian Product Makers

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal has emerged as a game-changer in India’s procurement system, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. Launched in 2016, the GeM portal registration has revolutionized the way public procurement takes place by providing a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly online platform for businesses to sell their products and services to government entities. The portal has played a crucial role in promoting domestically manufactured goods, ensuring that indigenous businesses gain more opportunities and visibility. This article explores how GeM supports the Make in India initiative, benefits domestic manufacturers, and contributes to India’s economic growth.

Understanding the Make in India Initiative

The “Make in India” initiative was launched by the Government of India in 2014 to boost domestic manufacturing, attract foreign investments, and position India as a global manufacturing hub. The initiative emphasizes self-reliance by encouraging companies to produce goods within the country, thereby reducing dependency on imports. Key sectors under Make in India include electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and defense, among others.

Steps to apply for GeM Portal

• Visit 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.

How GeM Portal Supports Make in India

1. Preference for Indian Products

The GeM portal actively promotes products that are made in India. Through features such as the “Make in India” filter and local content percentage declarations, the platform prioritizes vendors who manufacture goods within the country. Buyers, especially government organizations, are encouraged to procure Indian-made products, ensuring greater market access for local manufacturers.

2. Increased Market Access for MSMEs

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India’s manufacturing sector. GeM provides them with a direct platform to sell to government departments, eliminating middlemen and reducing operational costs. This transparency and direct access help MSMEs grow, expand their customer base, and contribute to the Make in India movement.

3. Mandatory Local Procurement Norms

The Indian government has mandated that a significant percentage of public procurement should be sourced from local manufacturers. Under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017, government buyers must prefer local suppliers, giving a major boost to domestic industries. GeM ensures the enforcement of this policy by enabling buyers to filter and choose local products.

4. Transparency and Efficiency in Procurement

Traditional procurement methods often involved bureaucratic hurdles and inefficiencies. GeM streamlines the entire process through an easy-to-use digital platform, reducing delays, eliminating corruption, and ensuring fair competition. This benefits local manufacturers by providing them with a level playing field.

5. Ease of Doing Business for Domestic Suppliers

GeM simplifies the registration process for vendors, making it easier for Indian manufacturers to onboard the platform. With minimal paperwork and a digital verification process, businesses can quickly list their products and start selling. This ease of access encourages more local manufacturers to participate in government tenders.

6. Encouraging Innovation and Indigenous Technology

By providing a structured procurement system, GeM encourages manufacturers to innovate and develop high-quality indigenous products. The platform helps startups and technology-driven enterprises showcase their innovations to government buyers, leading to greater adoption of Indian technology.

7. Support for Women and SC/ST Entrepreneurs

The GeM portal has special provisions for businesses owned by women and entrepreneurs from the SC/ST communities. These policies ensure inclusivity and equitable growth, empowering diverse businesses to contribute to the Make in India mission.

8. Integration with Other Government Initiatives

GeM is closely integrated with initiatives such as Udyam Registration, Startup India, and Digital India. This interconnected approach strengthens domestic businesses, facilitates smoother operations, and accelerates the growth of Indian manufacturing industries.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While GeM has played a crucial role in promoting Make in India, there are still challenges to address:

• Awareness and Digital Literacy: Many small businesses, especially in rural areas, are unaware of GeM’s benefits. More awareness programs and training initiatives are required.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Issues: Ensuring the timely delivery of products across the country remains a challenge. Strengthening logistics infrastructure will further boost the efficiency of the portal.
• Competition from Global Companies: Despite local preferences, international brands continue to dominate certain sectors. More stringent policies may be needed to ensure fair competition for Indian manufacturers.

Also Read:- Gem portal Product list

Conclusion

The GeM portal is a powerful tool that aligns perfectly with the Make in India vision. By providing an efficient, transparent, and accessible marketplace for domestic manufacturers, it ensures that Indian products gain the prominence they deserve. With continued policy support, infrastructural improvements, and greater awareness among businesses, GeM can further strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, driving economic growth and self-reliance. The integration of digital procurement with the Make in India initiative is a step towards building a more robust and globally competitive Indian economy.