Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, former Union Minister and Olympic medalist, has lauded the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) as a transformational initiative that has redefined public procurement in India. In his recent statements, Rathore highlighted how GeM has eliminated corruption, empowered small businesses, and saved taxpayer money—making it a cornerstone of PM Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision.
Since its launch in 2016, this digital platform has connected 1.6 lakh government buyers with 23 lakh sellers, creating one of the most transparent and efficient procurement systems in the world. Rathore emphasized that GeM is not just an e-commerce portal but a powerful tool for inclusive economic growth.
Breaking the Chains of Corruption
Rathore pointed out that before GeM, public procurement was slow, opaque, and prone to corruption, with the old Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) system favoring select vendors.
"GeM has changed the game," he said. "Now, everything is online—no middlemen, no delays, just fair competition."
Key improvements include:
✔ Real-time bidding & price comparison
✔ Direct vendor-to-government transactions (no intermediaries)
✔ Reverse auctions ensuring the best prices
The World Bank estimates 9.75% savings on procurement costs, totaling ₹1.15 lakh crore in savings for the government.
Empowering MSMEs, Startups, and Women Entrepreneurs
Rathore praised GeM for democratizing opportunities, especially for small businesses:
✅ 38% of orders go to MSMEs (exceeding the 25% target)
✅ 4% procurement from women-led businesses (surpassing the 3% goal)
✅ 30,000+ startups onboarded (business worth ₹2.38 lakh crore)
✅ 1.81 lakh women entrepreneurs securing orders worth ₹25,000 crore
He specifically commended initiatives like Startup Runway and Womaniya, which have given small-town entrepreneurs and home-based businesses a platform to thrive.
Technological Innovations for Ease of Business
Rathore highlighted GeM’s tech-driven approach, including:
🔹 GeMAI – AI-powered chatbot in 8 Indian languages
🔹 GeM Sahay 2.0 – Instant collateral-free loans (up to ₹10 lakh) for MSMEs
🔹 Voice-enabled search for seamless navigation
Impact Beyond Procurement: Defense, Healthcare, and More
Rathore noted that GeM’s influence extends beyond office supplies:
- Transparent defense procurement (critical equipment, drones)
- Efficient vaccine & medical supply purchases (during COVID-19)
- Tech-driven governance (paperless, faster approvals)
The Road Ahead
With ₹27 lakh crore procurement targeted for 2024-25, Rathore believes GeM is on track to become the world’s No. 1 public procurement portal, surpassing South Korea’s KONEPS.
Conclusion
Rajyavardhan Rathore’s endorsement underscores GeM’s success as a corruption-free, efficient, and inclusive marketplace. By empowering small businesses, ensuring transparency, and leveraging technology, GeM is truly transforming India’s economic landscape.
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