- Sikkim Partners with GeM to Revolutionize Public Procurement
In a significant step towards enhancing public procurement in Sikkim, the Government of Sikkim and Government e Marketplace (GeM), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive the adoption of the GeM platform across the state’s government departments. This collaboration marks a milestone for GeM as it now covers all States and Union Territories (UTs) in India.
The MoU was signed in Gangtok, Sikkim, on 23rd October 2024, in the presence of top officials from both the Government of Sikkim and GeM. The agreement is set to transform procurement processes in Sikkim by promoting transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity through the GeM platform.
A Major Milestone for Government e Marketplace (GeM)
With the signing of this MoU, GeM has officially achieved its goal of covering all Indian states and UTs. This partnership underscores the commitment of both GeM and the Government of Sikkim to modernize public procurement. By enabling seamless procurement of goods and services, the collaboration is expected to strengthen Sikkim’s public procurement landscape.
Key Figures:
- Sikkim-based Sellers on GeM: 3,078
- Micro Sellers: 2,720
- Procurement by Government of Sikkim (as of Oct 2024): ₹90 crore
- Orders Served by Sikkim Sellers via GeM: ₹182 crore
Highlights from the MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU signing event was presided over by Shri Vijay Bhushan Pathak, Chief Secretary of Sikkim. From GeM, Shri A.V. Muralidharan, Chief Buyer Officer (States and UTs), signed the MoU. Key officials from Sikkim’s government, including Shri Tarun Kumar Sharma, Chief Accounts Officer of the Home Department, also participated.
This partnership aims to enhance Sikkim’s public procurement by focusing on:
- Capacity-building programs for government buyers
- Training and onboarding support for local sellers
- Ensuring transparency and cost-efficiency in procurement
Boosting Local Sellers’ Participation on GeM
The MoU provides opportunities for Sikkim-based sellers, especially micro and small enterprises, to increase their participation in government procurement. With over 3,000 Sikkim-based sellers already onboarded on GeM, the government is keen to expand this number further. The GeM platform allows local sellers to bid on opportunities from central and state governments, public sector enterprises, and more.
To foster this growth, GeM, in collaboration with Sikkim’s MSME Department, will conduct seller onboarding programs aimed at expanding the seller base on the platform. This initiative will offer local businesses access to a larger marketplace, enhancing their chances of securing government contracts.
GeM’s Role in Transforming Public Procurement in India
What is GeM?
GeM is a one-stop e-marketplace designed for government departments to procure goods and services. It has revolutionized public procurement by leveraging technology to make the process:
- Efficient: Streamlining procurement through an online platform
- Transparent: Ensuring fair bidding and contract award processes
- Inclusive: Enabling participation from a broad spectrum of sellers, including MSMEs
GeM also features diverse procurement options, such as direct purchase, L1 purchase, reverse auctions, and bidding, offering flexibility and cost-saving mechanisms for government buyers.
Impact of GeM on Sikkim’s Procurement Ecosystem
The introduction of GeM in Sikkim is expected to lead to:
- Enhanced Procurement Efficiency: With GeM’s advanced features, state government departments can now conduct procurement more swiftly and effectively.
- Cost Savings: GeM’s reverse auction functionality and competitive bidding processes ensure cost-effectiveness.
- Wider Market Access for Sellers: Local businesses will now have access to procurement opportunities not just within Sikkim but across India.
GeM’s National Success Story
In the financial year 2023-24, GeM recorded over ₹4 lakh crore worth of procurement, reflecting its growing prominence as a procurement platform across India. With support from both buyers and sellers, GeM is set to achieve even higher targets in the upcoming fiscal year.
GeM’s extensive network of consultants and facilitators, deployed across states, continues to work with state governments, including Sikkim, to increase adoption and improve procurement practices.
The Future of Public Procurement in Sikkim
Looking ahead, Sikkim’s collaboration with GeM is poised to revolutionize how government procurement is conducted in the state. The signing of this MoU demonstrates a shared commitment to leveraging technology for good governance.
Through focused training programs, capacity building, and local seller engagement, GeM will continue to drive efficiency and transparency, benefiting both the state and its citizens.
This partnership is just the beginning of Sikkim’s journey toward a more inclusive, efficient, and modern public procurement system. With the full adoption of GeM, the state is set to reap the benefits of cost-effective procurement and increased market participation for local businesses.
Conclusion
The MoU between the Government of Sikkim and Government e Marketplace marks a crucial step in the state’s journey towards modernizing public procurement. By enabling seamless procurement processes and increasing local sellers’ participation, this partnership sets the stage for long-term growth and transparency in government procurement.
GeM’s successful integration in Sikkim will serve as a model for other states, highlighting the transformative power of technology in public procurement. The state’s commitment to this initiative is a strong indication of its readiness to embrace digital governance for a better future.
Source: Press Information Bureau edited by Team BharatiyaMedia.
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