GeM Portal Set for Major Upgrade to Handle Increased Data Load
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is undergoing a significant transformation, with plans to roll out a future-ready platform this year. According to CEO Mihir Kumar, the public procurement platform is being replatformed to create a "data lake" that will facilitate a seamless interface between buyers and sellers.
Enhancing Capacity and User Experience
Kumar emphasized that the upgrade aims to improve ease of buying and selling on the GeM portal. The new system is designed to scale up significantly, capable of handling a data load five to ten times greater than the current volume. This enhancement is part of a broader strategy to ensure the platform remains robust and efficient as government procurement continues to grow.
Milestones and Performance
Launched on August 9, 2016, the GeM portal has become a cornerstone for online purchases of goods and services by central government ministries and departments. Since its inception, it has facilitated government procurement worth over Rs 17.33 lakh crore. In the current fiscal year alone, more than Rs 4 lakh crore in goods and services have been procured through GeM, with over 50 lakh buying and selling orders processed by various ministries and departments.
In the previous fiscal year, the portal saw 72 lakh orders valued at Rs 5.43 lakh crore. GeM boasts a vast network, with over 1.5 lakh government buyers and more than 62 lakh sellers and service providers offering a diverse range of products and services.
Scope and Accessibility
The portal is accessible to government departments, ministries, public sector units, state governments, and central armed police forces, enabling them to conduct transactions efficiently. It features a wide array of products, from office stationery to vehicles, with major categories including automobiles, computers, and office furniture.
Additionally, GeM lists various services such as transportation, helicopter hiring, logistics, waste management, and webcasting. This comprehensive offering underscores the platform's role in streamlining public procurement processes across India.
As GeM completes nine years of operation, this upgrade marks a pivotal step towards modernizing government procurement, leveraging technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and scalability in the digital era.
