GeM Achieves Milestone in Manpower Hiring

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) reached milestone by facilitating the hiring of over 1 million manpower resources for government organisations in the fiscal year 2024-25. This achievement marks GeM’s role in transforming public procurement through digital solutions.

What is GeM?

The Government e-Marketplace was established in 2016. It aims to streamline public procurement for government buyers. GeM provides an end-to-end digital platform that offers cost-effective solutions for various services. Initially focused on basic services, it has expanded to include over 330 service categories.

Manpower Outsourcing Services

GeM’s manpower outsourcing service allows government organisations to hire skilled and unskilled personnel. Buyers can choose from over 33,000 service providers. The platform enables hiring based on criteria such as minimum wages and fixed remuneration. Roles include security personnel, data entry operators, and facility management professionals.

Compliance and Transparency

GeM ensures strict adherence to labour laws and regulations. Each transaction meets statutory requirements, providing government buyers with assurance during the hiring process. The platform includes comprehensive Service Level Agreements that enhance compliance and efficiency.

Significance of the Milestone

The hiring of 1 million manpower resources signifies growing trust in GeM across government sectors. This milestone demonstrates the platform’s effectiveness in simplifying the hiring process. It reflects the increasing adoption of digital solutions in public procurement.

Expansion of Services

Since its inception, GeM has expanded its service offerings. Initially focused on basic services, it now includes complex services such as drone operations, augmented reality, virtual reality, cloud services, and cybersecurity. This diversification enhances the platform’s utility for government buyers.

Future Prospects

GeM aims to continue evolving and adapting to the needs of government organisations. The focus will remain on enhancing transparency, compliance, and efficiency in public procurement. Future developments may include further service expansions and technological innovations.

Impact on Government Procurement

GeM’s digital platform has revolutionised the procurement process for government entities. It provides a seamless and efficient solution for hiring and engaging various services. By simplifying procurement, GeM contributes to better resource management and operational efficiency in government organisations.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of digital platforms on public procurement processes in India.
2. What are the key features of the Government e-Marketplace? How do they enhance transparency?
3. Estimate the role of compliance in government procurement. How does it affect service delivery?
4. Point out the challenges faced by digital procurement platforms in India. Suggest measures for improvement.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of digital platforms on public procurement processes in India.

1. Digital platforms streamline procurement, reducing time and costs for government agencies.
2. They enhance transparency by providing open access to information about suppliers and pricing.
3. Automation minimizes human errors and improves efficiency in the procurement process.
4. Increased competition among suppliers can lead to better pricing and quality of services.
5. However, digital literacy and infrastructure gaps can hinder effective implementation in some areas.

2. What are the key features of the Government e-Marketplace? How do they enhance transparency?

1. GeM provides a user-friendly digital platform for end-to-end procurement processes.
2. It offers a wide range of services, with over 330 categories available for procurement.
3. Service Level Agreements ensure compliance with statutory requirements, enhancing trust.
4. Real-time tracking and reporting features promote accountability in transactions.
5. Public access to information about suppliers and pricing encourages competition and transparency.

3. Estimate the role of compliance in government procurement. How does it affect service delivery?

1. Compliance ensures adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks, protecting public interest.
2. It establishes standards for quality and performance, enhancing service delivery outcomes.
3. Non-compliance can lead to legal issues, financial losses, and damage to reputation.
4. Strict compliance measures encourage ethical practices among suppliers and service providers.
5. Effective compliance mechanisms can improve stakeholder confidence in procurement processes.

4. Point out the challenges faced by digital procurement platforms in India. Suggest measures for improvement.

1. Digital literacy gaps among users can limit effective utilization of procurement platforms.
2. Infrastructure issues, especially in rural areas, hinder access to digital services.
3. Cybersecurity threats pose risks to data integrity and user trust in digital platforms.
4. Resistance to change from traditional procurement methods can slow adoption rates.
5. Improving user training, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and investing in infrastructure can address these challenges.