Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: GeM Seller Samvad 2024
The Government e Marketplace (GeM) recently hosted a significant event titled “GeM Seller Samvad 2024 Uttarakhand” on December 16, 2024. This day-long boot camp took place at the IRDT Auditorium in Dehradun. The event aimed to enhance the participation of local sellers, entrepreneurs, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the GeM platform. With a focus on inclusivity, the GeM Seller Samvad sought to address the challenges faced by sellers in Uttarakhand. More than 60 sellers and service providers participated, showcasing the region’s enthusiasm for digital procurement.
Understanding the GeM Platform
The Government e Marketplace is a digital platform that streamlines the procurement of goods and services for various government entities. Launched in 2016, GeM aims to replace outdated manual procurement processes with a more efficient, tech-driven approach. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
During the Samvad, comprehensive training sessions were conducted to help participants understand the platform’s features and functionalities. Stakeholders learned about the key milestones in the seller journey, which is crucial for navigating the GeM portal effectively. The sessions included informative Q&A segments where participants could address their queries directly. This hands-on approach ensured that sellers left the event with a clearer understanding of how to leverage the GeM platform for their businesses.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Local Sellers
One of the primary goals of the GeM Seller Samvad was to identify and address the challenges that local sellers encounter while using the GeM portal. Many sellers in Uttarakhand have limited experience with digital platforms, which can hinder their ability to participate in government procurement processes.
The event provided a dedicated helpdesk to assist sellers in real-time. This support was crucial for those who needed immediate guidance. Additionally, a registration drive was held to onboard new sellers and service providers onto the GeM ecosystem. Currently, nearly 20,000 sellers from Uttarakhand are registered on GeM, including over 10,500 Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and more than 1,900 women-led businesses. This diverse representation highlights the potential for growth and inclusivity within the local economy.
The Impact of GeM on Local Economy
The GeM platform has already made a significant impact on the local economy in Uttarakhand. As of December 11, 2024, sellers from the state have fulfilled orders worth over ₹8,950 crore for government buyers across India. Remarkably, around 50% of this volume comes from MSEs in the state. This statistic underscores the importance of empowering local entrepreneurs and enhancing their digital capabilities.
Shri A.V. Muralidharan, Chief Buyer Officer for the state, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in spreading awareness and improving the digital skills of local sellers. By providing training and resources, the GeM Seller Samvad aims to break down traditional barriers and encourage greater participation in business-to-government opportunities. This empowerment is essential for fostering a vibrant local economy that can compete on a national scale.
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