Empowering Indian Manufacturing: How GeM Registration Aligns with the Make in India Vision

India’s journey toward economic resilience and global industrial leadership is closely tied to its push for domestic manufacturing and innovation. The Make in India campaign, introduced in 2014, seeks to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub. A crucial digital enabler of this vision is the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)—a unified online procurement portal designed to bring transparency and efficiency to public purchases.

When used together, GeM portal registration and the Make in India initiative form a powerful alliance that promotes homegrown businesses, improves public procurement, and drives national self-reliance. This article explores the complementary relationship between the two, explains the GeM registration process, and highlights the benefits and opportunities for MSMEs and startups.

1. An Overview of the GeM Platform

1.1 What is GeM?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a digital procurement portal launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2016. It offers a seamless platform where government departments and public sector enterprises can buy goods and services from verified sellers across the country. The system streamlines procurement from registration to payment, reducing delays and inefficiencies.

1.2 Goals of GeM

• Promote transparency in public procurement

• Speed up acquisition processes

• Ensure cost-effective purchasing

• Support small businesses and entrepreneurs

• Encourage domestically manufactured products

2. Make in India: Building a Manufacturing Nation

2.1 Understanding Make in India

Launched in 2014, Make in India is a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing domestic manufacturing, attracting investment, and creating jobs. It focuses on boosting the sector's contribution to GDP and transforming India into a global manufacturing destination.

2.2 Key Sectors

• Automotive

• Textiles

• Electronics and IT

• Defense and Aerospace

• Pharmaceuticals

• Renewable energy

• Railways

• Chemicals and industrial goods

2.3 Main Objectives

• Drive innovation in manufacturing

• Develop a skilled workforce

• Protect intellectual property rights

• Build world-class manufacturing infrastructure

3. Supporting Make in India Through GeM

3.1 Encouraging Local Sellers

GeM is designed to prioritize products with indigenous content. During registration, sellers are required to disclose the percentage of local material used. This gives visibility to Indian manufacturers and aligns with the Make in India ethos.

3.2 Local Supplier Categories

Based on the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017, vendors are classified as:

• Class I Suppliers – Products with over 50% local content

• Class II Suppliers – Products with 20% to 50% local content

These classifications receive preferential treatment during bids and direct purchases.

3.3 Product Filters Supporting Domestic Goods

Buyers can apply filters to purchase only “Made in India” or Class I/Class II supplier items, increasing demand for locally produced products.

4. Registering on GeM: Connecting with Government Buyers

4.1 Who Can Enroll?

• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

• Startups and new businesses

• Private companies

• Cooperatives and sole proprietors

• Service providers and manufacturers

4.2 Steps to Register

1. Visit the official GeM portal

2. Provide basic details (name, phone, email, DOB)

3. Verify via OTP sent to your mobile/emai

4. A GeM representative may call for confirmation

5. Complete registration and receive seller credentials

6. Set up your seller profile

7. Deposit caution money as required

8. List your products or services by category

9. Begin selling directly to government organizations

4.3 Key Benefits of GeM Registration

• Access to thousands of government buyers

• Level playing field for smaller businesses

• Faster payments and transparent transactions

• Elimination of intermediaries

• Lower promotional costs

• Local suppliers receive purchase preference

5. How GeM Benefits Indian Manufacturers

5.1 National Exposure

GeM gives Indian manufacturers a nationwide platform. Products tagged under Make in India receive better visibility and preference, improving sales.

5.2 Reliable Government Clients

The government is a consistent and trustworthy client, offering local manufacturers a dependable revenue source.

5.3 Digital Procurement Simplifies Participation

The online system eliminates traditional tender hurdles and documentation, making it easier for small manufacturers to engage in government procurement.

5.4 Quality Certification and Standards

GeM emphasizes adherence to standards like BIS and ISO, encouraging Indian firms to improve quality and boost consumer confidence.

6. Targeted Support for Startups and MSMEs

6.1 The Startup Runway

The Startup Runway feature enables startups to offer their innovative products directly to government buyers without needing previous turnover or experience.

6.2 Relaxed Conditions

• Lower eligibility thresholds for turnover and work history

• Prompt payment systems

• Exclusive bidding options for small players

6.3 Seamless Integration

GeM is connected with the Udyam and DPIIT Startup India databases, making registration smoother by auto-fetching relevant business details.

7. The Road Ahead: Future of GeM and Make in India

7.1 AI-Driven Procurement

GeM will incorporate Artificial Intelligence to optimize procurement, suggest vendors, and improve buyer-seller matchmaking.

7.2 Industry-Specific Marketplaces

Dedicated procurement portals may emerge for industries like infrastructure, defense, and health.

7.3 GeM SAHAY for Credit Access

GeM SAHAY, an upcoming initiative, will simplify credit access for sellers, empowering them to expand production and explore global markets.

7.4 Blockchain Integration

Blockchain will be introduced for better supply chain traceability, ensuring quality assurance and data security in procurement.

Also Read:- Gem portal Product list

Conclusion

The Government e-Marketplace and Make in India initiatives are transformative forces working hand in hand to strengthen India’s economic and industrial base. GeM gives Indian businesses direct access to government demand, while Make in India fuels their supply capabilities.

For startups, small manufacturers, and entrepreneurs, registering on GeM is more than just a commercial opportunity—it’s a contribution toward national development. By leveraging this strategic alignment, businesses can scale efficiently, improve their product standards, and help shape India into a global manufacturing giant.