Introduction
India is a land of rich heritage and skilled craftsmanship, with lakhs of artisans and rural entrepreneurs producing handmade goods that reflect tradition, culture, and creativity. However, despite the quality and uniqueness of these products, small artisans often struggle with market access, fair pricing, and consistent demand. This is where the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) comes in.
The GeM Portal was launched by the Government of India to bring transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in public procurement. But beyond its administrative role, the platform is becoming a game-changer for India’s small artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and rural startups, enabling them to sell their products directly to government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
This article explores how GeM registration is transforming lives at the grassroots level and guiding small businesses towards a future filled with opportunity.
What is the GeM Portal?
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online procurement platform launched in 2016 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It allows central and state government departments, PSUs, and autonomous bodies to procure goods and services from registered sellers — all online and in a transparent manner.
GeM simplifies the tendering process and reduces manual intervention, while also opening doors for small sellers, micro-enterprises, and handicraft producers.
Why Should Rural Entrepreneurs and Artisans Register on GeM?
Traditionally, only large vendors and traders had access to government procurement opportunities. But today, the smallest producer in a village can sell to the largest government office, all thanks to GeM.
Key Benefits:
Fair Pricing: You decide the price and get paid directly. No commission to intermediaries.
Bulk Orders: Government buyers often purchase in bulk, which means larger and consistent orders.
National Reach: Even if you're in a small town or village, you can sell your goods across India.
Recognition and Branding: Being a government-verified seller boosts your credibility and opens doors for future partnerships.
Who Can Register on GeM?
The GeM portal is open to:
- Individual artisans and weavers
- Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)
- Startups
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- NGOs producing goods/services
- Khadi and Village Industries
- Handicraft clusters
If you’re a rural entrepreneur making candles, jute bags, spices, papads, or handloom products, GeM is for you.
What Can Be Sold on GeM?
You can list a wide range of products and services, including:
- Handloom and handicraft products
- Organic food, spices, papads
- Furniture and wooden products
- Cleaning supplies and eco-friendly products
- Office stationery, textile items
- Tribal jewelry, bamboo products
- Services like tailoring, catering, maintenance
GeM regularly updates its product catalog based on the needs of government buyers.
How to Register on the GeM Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)
The registration process is 100% online and simple:
- Visit the 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: Login, 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.
Important Schemes Linked with GeM for Rural Sellers
GeM SAHAY Initiative
GeM SAHAY offers collateral-free working capital loans to MSMEs and artisans who get orders on the GeM portal. This solves the problem of a lack of funds for fulfilling large government orders.
GeM – TRIFED Partnership
Under this, Tribal artisans registered with TRIFED are encouraged to register on GeM and sell their handcrafted products.
Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Collaboration
KVIC units are provided with handholding to register on GeM and market their khadi and rural goods.
SHG Onboarding Campaigns
The Ministry of Rural Development and GeM jointly run special drives to onboard women SHGs on the portal.
Tips for Rural Sellers to Succeed on GeM
Use high-quality product photos
Write clear product descriptions
Deliver on time to build a good rating
Maintain product stock and update availability
Be responsive to buyer queries
Leverage Udyam/MSME benefits
Take part in GeM training webinars
Why the Future of GeM is Bright for Grassroots India
The Government of India aims to increase procurement from MSMEs to 25% and has made it mandatory for many departments to prefer MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.
This means GeM will be the backbone of future procurement and a direct income source for millions of rural and small producers.
GeM is also integrated with Udyam Registration, TReDS, Startup India, and GSTN, ensuring smooth verification and financial support.
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Conclusion
The GeM Portal is more than just an e-commerce platform — it’s a tool of empowerment. For India’s artisans, self-help groups, village startups, and rural innovators, it offers a transparent, secure, and direct route to national markets.
In a world where technology often benefits only the urban elite, GeM is proof that digital India can truly be inclusive. If you're a rural entrepreneur or artisan, don't wait. Register on GeM today and take your products from your village to government offices across India.
