Government Schemes Linked with GeM Registration

In recent years, the Government of India has introduced several digital initiatives to make governance and business easier, more transparent, and more accessible to all citizens. One of these major steps is the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

GeM Portal is an online platform created by the government where businesses, startups, and even small sellers can offer their products and services to government departments and ministries. To use this platform, sellers need to go through a process called GeM Registration.

But what makes this even better is that many government schemes and programs are now connected with GeM. These schemes help sellers by offering benefits such as easier registration, access to financial support, training, and more.

This article explains GeM, its registration process, and various government schemes linked with it. This will help businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs, and startups, understand how they can grow by selling on GeM.

What is GeM (Government e-Marketplace)?

GeM is an official e-commerce portal launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2016. It is used by government departments and public sector units (PSUs) to buy goods and services.

Through GeM, the entire buying and selling process becomes digital, which means:

• No need for physical visits to offices
  
  

• Transparent pricing
  
  

• Equal opportunity for small and large sellers
  
  

• Easy access to government buyers

Why GeM Registration is Important

GeM registration allows businesses and service providers to list their products or services on the GeM portal. Once registered, they can start selling directly to government departments.

Benefits of GeM Registration

• Access to a huge buyer base
  
  

• Fast payments from government departments
  
  

• No middlemen or commissions
  
  

• Transparent and competitive pricing
  
  

• Support from government policies and schemes

Who Can Register on GeM?

Anyone who sells goods or services can register on GeM. This includes:

• Individual entrepreneurs
  
  

• Startups
  
  

• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  
  

• Women-led businesses
  
  

• Cooperatives
  
  

• Private companies
  
  

• Government departments (as buyers)

How to Register on GeM?

1. Visit the GeM Website: Go to the official GeM registration portal.

2. Enter Details: Fill in basic information like name, email, phone number, and date of birth.

3. OTP Verification: Enter the OTP received via SMS or email.

4. GeM Confirmation: A GeM representative will call to confirm your OTP.

5. Complete Registration: After verification, your registration is complete.

6. Get GeM ID: Receive your seller ID and login credentials via email.

7. Set Up Profile: Log in, set up your profile and list your products.

8. Submit Caution Money: You'll be notified to submit caution money.

9. Select Product Listing: On the dashboard, click Product Listing to add new products or manage your existing ones.

10. Choose Product Category: Pick the correct category for your product. This helps government buyers find your product easily.

11. Start Selling: Your products are now visible to government buyers, and you can begin receiving orders.

1. Udyam Registration for MSMEs

Ministry of MSME launched the Udyam portal for easy registration of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. After registering on Udyam, MSMEs get special recognition and benefits.

Link with GeM:

• Udyam-registered MSMEs can register faster on GeM
  
  

• They get priority in government purchases
  
  

• GeM identifies such sellers and promotes their products
  
  

• Helps in avoiding competition with large businesses

Extra Benefits:

• Easy access to finance and loans
  
  

• Concession in various government schemes

2. Startup India Scheme

The Startup India Scheme is aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Link with GeM:

• Startups recognized under this scheme get Startup IDs
  
  

• These IDs are linked to GeM for easy onboarding
  
  

• Startups get to list their innovative products without prior experience
  
  

• They are exempted from certain criteria in government tenders

Extra Benefits:

• Easier compliance with laws
  
  

• Tax exemptions
  
  

• Funding support through startup incubators and accelerators

3. Public Procurement Policy for MSEs (Micro and Small Enterprises)

Under this policy, 25% of all government purchases must be made from registered MSEs.

Link with GeM:

• GeM portal ensures that at least 25% of purchases are made from MSEs
  
  

• There’s a separate section for MSEs to apply for tenders
  
  

• MSEs get price preference (up to 15% relaxation in price)
  
  

• Exemption from earnest money deposit (EMD) in many tenders
  
  

Extra Benefits:

• Easier to participate in tenders
  
  

• More business from the government
  
  

• Special preference to SC/ST and women-owned MSEs

4. TReDS – Trade Receivables Discounting System

TReDS is a platform for MSMEs to get payments early through invoice discounting.

Link with GeM:

• Sellers who sell on GeM can upload their invoices on TReDS
  
  

• Banks and NBFCs then discount the invoices and provide funds
  
  

• This helps sellers maintain cash flow

Extra Benefits:

• No collateral required
  
  

• Payments usually released within 45 days
  
  

• TReDS is available through platforms like RXIL, M1xchange, and Invoicemart

5. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

Launched by NITI Aayog, this platform supports women entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding, and access to markets.

Link with GeM:

• Women-owned businesses can register on WEP and then GeM
  
  

• GeM gives special visibility to women-led sellers
  
  

• Government departments are encouraged to buy from such sellers

Extra Benefits: