Government e Marketplace Initiative Celebrates Six Years

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) celebrated the sixth anniversary of its SWAYATT initiative on 19 February 2025. Launched in 2019, SWAYATT aims to boost participation from women-led enterprises and youth in public procurement. This initiative is a mainstay of GeM’s commitment to social inclusion and enhancing ease of doing business.

SWAYATT Initiative Overview

The SWAYATT initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and youth. It provides direct market access to public procurement opportunities. The initiative supports startups, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), and Self Help Groups (SHGs). Training and onboarding are key components to facilitate participation.

Partnerships and Collaborations

On the anniversary, GeM signed a Memorandum of About (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO). This partnership aims to connect women entrepreneurs directly with government buyers. It eliminates intermediaries, ensuring better pricing and job creation.

Impact on Women Entrepreneurs

Since its inception, SWAYATT has increased the number of women-led enterprises on GeM. Initially, there were only 6,300 women-led enterprises. Now, there are 177,786 Udyam-verified women MSEs registered. These enterprises have fulfilled orders worth ₹46,615 Crore.

Support for Startups

GeM has enabled startups to fulfil orders valued at ₹35,950 Crore. The platform has empowered over 29,000 startups by providing business opportunities in public procurement. GeM aims to onboard 100,000 registered startups to enhance the startup ecosystem.

Future Goals

GeM aims to double the number of women entrepreneurs on its platform. Currently, women comprise 8% of the seller base. The goal is to increase their share in overall procurement from 3.78%. GeM envisions a vibrant ecosystem through collaborations and capacity-building efforts.

Digital Transformation

Digital platforms like GeM have transformed access to opportunities for women entrepreneurs. This democratization of access is crucial for value chain development. Training and outreach are essential to expand the reach of the GeM portal.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of digital platforms in empowering women entrepreneurs in India.
2. Explain the significance of public procurement in promoting small and medium enterprises in India.
3. What are the challenges faced by women-led enterprises in accessing market opportunities? Provide suitable examples.
4. What is the impact of government initiatives on the startup ecosystem in India? How do these initiatives facilitate economic growth?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of digital platforms in empowering women entrepreneurs in India.

1. Digital platforms provide direct access to markets, eliminating intermediaries.
2. They facilitate training and onboarding, enhancing skills and confidence among women entrepreneurs.
3. Platforms like GeM promote visibility of women-led businesses to government buyers.
4. Access to financing options and resources is improved through digital channels.
5. Digital transformation democratizes opportunities, allowing women from diverse backgrounds to participate.

2. Explain the significance of public procurement in promoting small and medium enterprises in India.

1. Public procurement provides a stable revenue stream for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
2. It encourages innovation and competitiveness among SMEs by providing access to larger contracts.
3. Government contracts can help SMEs establish credibility and enhance their market presence.
4. Procurement initiatives support local economies and job creation in communities.
5. Public procurement policies can be tailored to favor SMEs, encouraging inclusive growth.

3. What are the challenges faced by women-led enterprises in accessing market opportunities? Provide suitable examples.

1. Limited access to finance hampers growth and market entry for women-led enterprises.
2. Social and cultural barriers often restrict women’s participation in business sectors.
3. Women entrepreneurs may lack networks and mentorship opportunities compared to male counterparts.
4. Inadequate training and skills development can limit their competitiveness in the market.
5. Examples include women artisans facing challenges in scaling their businesses due to lack of market access.

4. What is the impact of government initiatives on the startup ecosystem in India? How do these initiatives facilitate economic growth?

1. Government initiatives provide financial support and incentives for startups, enhancing their viability.
2. They create a structured environment for startups to thrive, including legal and regulatory frameworks.
3. Initiatives like GeM improve market access for startups, enabling them to secure contracts.
4. Capacity-building programs encourage skills development and innovation among entrepreneurs.
5. Overall, these initiatives stimulate job creation and contribute to GDP growth through enhanced entrepreneurial activity.