The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, March 21 ,2025: The Government has introduced several initiatives to make the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) more inclusive and accessible for women-led and small enterprises. The measures aim to improve visibility, streamline registration, and strengthen market linkages for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
According to an official statement, GeM now provides marketplace filters and product catalogue icons to help distinguish products offered by women entrepreneurs in Direct Purchase/L1 procurement mode. Additionally, eight “Vocal for Local” GeM Outlet Stores have been launched to promote Women, Startups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Artisans, Weavers, One District One Product (ODOP) enterprises, and Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs).
To simplify the registration process, the platform has integrated API-based auto-registration with the Udyam MSME database. Furthermore, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with key industry and business organizations, including Laghu Udyog Bharati, FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), and the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).
The government is also focusing on awareness and training initiatives. In the current financial year, 35 weekly seller onboarding workshops have been conducted in collaboration with organizations like Amazon Saheli, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), FICCI, and the Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India (ALEAP).
As a fully digital marketplace, GeM follows all government procurement guidelines. To further encourage participation from women-led Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) and startups, GeM offers:
The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to empowering small businesses and fostering economic inclusivity.
This information was shared by the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
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