About GeM 

• Launched in 2016, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a 100 percent government-owned company setup under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
• It is a completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface. 
• GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.
• GeM was developed with the technical support of the National eGovernance Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

• In 2017, the government made it mandatory for all the departments and ministries to source goods and services from the GeM. 
• At present, the platform is open for procurement by all government buyers: central and state ministries, departments, public sector enterprises, autonomous institutions, local bodies, etc. 
• In 2022, the government gave its approval for expanding the mandate of GeM to allow procurement by Cooperatives as buyers on GeM.
• As per existing mandate, GeM is not available for use by private sector buyers. Suppliers (sellers) can be from across all segments: government or private.

Why in News?

• The Government of Sikkim and Government e Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)to work towards increasing adoption of GeM amongst the Government of Sikkim buyer departments for public procurement of goods and services.