India’s journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse is deeply connected to the growth of domestic manufacturing, innovation, and self-reliance. To accelerate this vision, the Government of India introduced the Make in India initiative in 2014, encouraging businesses to manufacture within the country and reduce dependency on imports. Supporting this ambitious mission is the GeM Portal, a digital procurement platform that connects government buyers directly with Indian sellers.
Together, GeM and Make in India form a powerful ecosystem—where policy meets execution. While Make in India motivates production within the country, GeM ensures that locally produced goods and services find a ready and transparent marketplace. This article examines how GeM supports the objectives of Make in India, including the registration process, benefits for Indian enterprises, government policies that favor local sourcing, and how MSMEs and startups can unlock growth opportunities through the platform.
1. Overview of the GeM Portal
1.1 What Is the Government e-Marketplace?
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online procurement platform launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It enables government departments, ministries, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings (PSUs) to purchase goods and services directly from registered sellers.
GeM offers a complete digital procurement lifecycle—from seller onboarding and product listing to order placement, delivery tracking, and payment—making government procurement more efficient and transparent.
1.2 Core Goals of GeM
The GeM portal was developed with the following objectives:
Promote transparency and accountability in public procurement
Reduce procurement time and costs
Eliminate intermediaries and manual processes
Provide fair access to MSMEs and startups
Encourage the adoption of Made in India products and services
2. Make in India: Vision and Purpose
2.1 Introduction to Make in India
Launched in 2014, Make in India is a flagship national program designed to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. The initiative focuses on attracting domestic and foreign investment, boosting industrial growth, and generating employment opportunities.
A key target of Make in India is to raise the manufacturing sector’s contribution to India’s GDP to 25% while strengthening innovation and infrastructure.
2.2 Key Industries Under Make in India
The initiative covers a wide range of strategic sectors, including:
Automobiles and auto components
Electronics and IT hardware
Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Defense production
Textiles and apparel
Renewable energy
Railways and heavy engineering
Chemicals and industrial products
2.3 Strategic Objectives
Make in India aims to:
Foster innovation and entrepreneurship
Enhance workforce skills
Strengthen intellectual property protection
Build world-class manufacturing facilities
3. How the GeM Portal Reinforces Make in India
3.1 Preference for Indian Sellers
GeM actively promotes locally manufactured goods by giving preference to Indian vendors. During registration, sellers must disclose the percentage of local content in their products, ensuring transparency and alignment with national manufacturing goals.
3.2 Classification of Local Suppliers
In line with the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017, suppliers on GeM are categorized as:
Class I Local Supplier: More than 50% local content
Class II Local Supplier: 20% to 50% local content
GeM prioritizes these suppliers in bidding and procurement processes, giving domestic manufacturers a competitive advantage.
3.3 Smart Filters for Made in India Products
Government buyers can apply filters to view only Made in India or Class I/Class II supplier products. This feature directly increases demand for indigenous goods and services across government procurement channels.
4. GeM Registration: Gateway to Government Buyers
4.1 Eligible Entities
The GeM portal allows registration for:
MSMEs
Startups
Large corporations
Sole proprietors
Cooperative societies
Manufacturers and service providers
4.2 Step-by-Step Registration Process
Visit the official GeM portal
Enter basic details such as name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth
Complete OTP verification
Receive confirmation from a GeM executive
Obtain GeM Seller ID and login credentials
Create a seller profile and upload business details
Deposit caution money as applicable
List products or services under the correct category
Start selling to government buyers
4.3 Benefits of Registering on GeM
Direct access to verified government buyers
Transparent and timely payments
Equal opportunity for MSMEs and startups
No commission or middlemen
Reduced marketing and acquisition costs
Preference for domestic suppliers
5. Key Advantages for Make in India Manufacturers
5.1 Nationwide Visibility
GeM provides Indian manufacturers with exposure across all government departments and PSUs. Products marked under Make in India receive enhanced visibility, increasing their chances of selection.
5.2 Government as a Reliable Customer
The government is one of the largest buyers in the country. GeM allows manufacturers to tap into this consistent and large-scale demand, ensuring stable revenue streams.
5.3 Simplified Digital Procurement
GeM’s paperless and automated processes remove the complexity traditionally associated with government tenders, enabling even small manufacturers to participate easily.
5.4 Focus on Quality and Standards
Integration with certifications such as BIS, ISO, and other quality benchmarks encourages Indian manufacturers to enhance product quality, aligning perfectly with Make in India’s emphasis on excellence.
6. Dedicated Support for MSMEs and Startups
6.1 Startup Runway on GeM
The Startup Runway feature enables innovative startups to sell directly to government buyers without prior experience or turnover requirements.
6.2 Relaxed Compliance Norms
Registered MSMEs and startups benefit from:
Exemption from Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)
Lower turnover requirements
Faster payment cycles
Access to exclusive procurement bids
6.3 Integration with Udyam and Startup India
GeM is digitally connected with Udyam Registration and DPIIT Startup India, allowing automatic data verification and quicker onboarding for registered enterprises.
7. Government Policies Supporting Local Manufacturing
7.1 Public Procurement Policy for MSEs
This policy mandates:
25% of government procurement from MSEs
4% from SC/ST-owned enterprises
3% from women-led businesses
7.2 Preference to Make in India Order
Revised in 2020, this policy:
Enforces local sourcing across sectors
Allows rejection of non-local bids
Grants price preference to Class I local suppliers
7.3 Atmanirbhar Bharat and GeM
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, GeM serves as the digital backbone for promoting Indian products, reducing import dependence, and encouraging domestic innovation.
8. The Road Ahead: GeM and Make in India
8.1 AI-Driven Procurement
Future upgrades to GeM will leverage artificial intelligence and data analytics for smarter procurement decisions and improved seller matching.
8.2 Sector-Specific Procurement Modules
GeM is expected to introduce industry-specific procurement systems for sectors such as defense, infrastructure, and healthcare.
8.3 Credit Access Through GeM SAHAY
The upcoming GeM SAHAY initiative aims to improve access to credit, helping manufacturers scale production and explore export opportunities.
8.4 Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency
GeM is exploring blockchain technology to enhance product authenticity, traceability, and supply chain security—strengthening trust in Made in India products.
Also Read:- Gem portal Product list
Conclusion
The GeM Portal and the Make in India initiative together form a strong foundation for India’s self-reliant growth strategy. While Make in India inspires domestic production, GeM ensures that these products reach government buyers efficiently and transparently.
For MSMEs, startups, and manufacturers, GeM is more than a procurement platform—it is a growth engine, a credibility booster, and a gateway to national opportunities. Registering on GeM is not only a business decision but also a step toward supporting India’s manufacturing strength and economic independence.
By embracing the GeM–Make in India synergy, Indian businesses can scale sustainably, enhance quality, and actively contribute to building a globally competitive and self-reliant India.
