Table of Contents
- What is Government e marketplace (GEM )?
- Eligibility for GEM Registration
- Who can register on GEM Portal?
- Documents Required for GEM Registration
- GEM Registration Process
- Fees for GEM Registration
- Benefits of GEM Registration
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions on GEM Registration
Government e marketplace (GEM) Registration
In recent years, the Indian government has made a significant push towards digitization and online governance. The Government E-Marketplace (GEM) is a key initiative towards this goal, aiming to provide a digital platform for government procurement of goods and services. If you’re interested in participating in government procurement, registering on GEM is a crucial step. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of GEM registration, including eligibility, documents, fees, benefits, and other important information.
1. What is Government e marketplace (GEM )?
The Government e Marketplace (GEM) is an online procurement platform that was launched by the
Government of India in 2016. It is a one-stop-shop for government procurement of goods and services, aiming to make the procurement process more efficient, transparent, and cost-effective.
2. When and who launched GEM?
GEM was launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and it is governed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D), which is a part of the Ministry. In 2017, DGS&D was replaced by the Government e Marketplace Special Purpose Vehicle (GEM SPV) to manage the
platform.
3. Purpose of GEM Portal
The GEM platform allows sellers to register and sell their products to government departments, ministries, and public sector undertakings (PSUs). It provides an online marketplace for buyers and sellers to connect, and it facilitates online bidding, reverse auction, and online payment. The platform has a wide range of products and services, including IT equipment, office supplies, vehicles, security services, and many others.
4. Eligibility for GEM Registration:
GEM registration is open to businesses and individuals who want to participate in government procurement. However, there are a few eligibility criteria that you must meet before you can register on the platform. These include:
- Business Registration: You must have a valid business registration with the appropriate government authorities, such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, LLP registration, or any other relevant registration.
- PAN Number: You must have a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department.
- Bank Account: You must have a valid bank account with any nationalized or private bank in India.
- GST Registration: You must have a valid Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration certificate issued by the GST Network.
5. Who can register on GEM Portal?
The Government e Marketplace (GEM) portal is open for registration to various types of entities who are interested in participating in government procurement. These include:
- Individual entrepreneurs and businesses who are registered as proprietorship, partnership, or company.
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who are registered with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises or the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
- Startups who are recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
- Public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other government organizations.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and charitable organizations who are registered under the Societies Registration Act or any other relevant act.
- Educational institutions who are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or any other relevant body.
- Hospitals and medical institutions who are recognized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or any other relevant body.
In summary, any entity who meets the eligibility criteria mentioned on the GEM portal can register and participate in government procurement through the platform.
6. Documents Required for GEM Registration:
The following documents are required for GEM registration:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Details
- GST Registration Certificate
- Business Registration Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Partnership Deed (if applicable)
- Letter of Authorization (if applicable)
- Board Resolution (if applicable)
7. GEM Registration Process:
The GEM registration process is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps:
- Go to the GEM website (https://gem.gov.in/) and click on the “Register” button.
- Fill in the registration form with all the required details.
- Upload the necessary documents and click on the “Submit” button.
- After submitting the registration form, you will receive an email with a link to activate your account.
- Click on the activation link and enter the required details to complete the activation process.
- Once your account is activated, you can log in to the GEM portal and start using it.
8. Fees for GEM Registration:
There is no fee for GEM registration. It is entirely free of cost. But seller has to deposit caution money to complete registration process.
| Turnover of the Seller | Amount of caution money to be deposited |
|---|---|
| less than 1 crore | Rs. 5,000 |
| 1 crore to 10 crores | Rs. 10,000 |
| more than 10 crores | Rs. 25,000 |
9. Benefits of GEM Registration:
There are several benefits of registering on the GEM platform, including:
- Access to Government Tenders: GEM registration gives you access to all government tenders issued on the platform.
- Transparent Bidding Process: The bidding process on GEM is entirely transparent, providing a level playing field for all bidders.
- Increased Business Opportunities: GEM registration can lead to increased business opportunities as you can participate in government procurement.
- Reduced Transaction Time: The GEM platform reduces transaction time and paperwork, making the procurement process faster and more efficient.
- Easy Payment Process: The GEM platform has an easy payment process, with payments made online, making it convenient for bidders.
Conclusion:
GEM registration is an important step for businesses and individuals who want to participate in government procurement. The process is straightforward, and there is no fee for registration. Once registered, you can access all government tenders issued on the platform and participate in a transparent bidding process. GEM registration can lead to increased business opportunities, reduced transaction time, and an easy payment process.
Frequently asked questions on GEM Registration
Q1. How long does it take to complete the GEM registration process?
A1. The time taken to complete the GEM registration process depends on the completeness and accuracy of the information provided and the verification process by GEM authorities. Typically, it takes around 3-7 working days to complete the registration process.
Q2. Can I update my GEM registration details later?
A2. Yes, you can update your GEM registration details later if there are any changes in your business details or other information. You can log in to your GEM account and make the necessary changes.
Q3. Do I need to have a digital signature for GEM registration?
A3. No, a digital signature is not required for GEM registration. However, it is recommended to have a digital signature as it can help in the verification process and make the registration process smoother.
Q4: What is the purpose of GEM registration?
A4: GEM registration allows individuals to participate in GEM surveys and research, which provide valuable insights into the state of entrepreneurship worldwide.
Q5: How often do I need to register for GEM?
A5: You only need to register for GEM once, but you may be asked to update your information periodically.
Q6: Can I opt out of GEM surveys and research after registering?
A6: Yes, you can opt out of GEM surveys and research at any time by contacting GEM directly.
Q7: Any turnover limit for registering on GEM portal?
A7: There is no specific turnover limit for registering on the Government e Marketplace (GEM) portal. It is important to note that while there is no turnover limit for GEM registration, some product categories may have specific eligibility criteria, such as turnover or experience in the field. Therefore, entities need to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the specific product category they wish to participate in before registering on the platform.
About author
RAJANI AGGARWAL is a proprietor at Rajani Aggarwal & Co. She has more than 12 years of experience in Financial Management, Tax planning, Statutory compliance and Corporate Governance. Rajani holds professional degrees of Company Secretary from Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in 2016, Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) from Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) in 2010 and certification in Intellectual Property Rights from ICSI. She is graduated from Delhi University in year 2010. You may write her at cs.cmarajani@gmail.com
