Government e-Marketplace (GeM) as a Catalyst for Digital Governance and Employment Generation: An Experience-Based Case Study of Government Colleges in Chhattisgarh

Abstract

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has transformed public procurement in India by introducing a transparent, technology-driven, and paperless procurement ecosystem. Since its launch in 2016, GeM has played a significant role in promoting digital governance, enhancing procurement efficiency, encouraging participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and generating employment opportunities. Government educational institutions are among the major beneficiaries of this digital procurement platform, particularly in the procurement of laboratory equipment, computers, office equipment, furniture, ICT devices, and other academic resources.
This study examines the role of GeM in strengthening digital governance and employment generation through an experience-based case study of Government Colleges in Chhattisgarh. Unlike conventional review studies, the present research integrates the author's professional experience in handling GeM procurement with secondary information obtained from Government reports, policy documents, and published literature. The study highlights the operational benefits of GeM, including transparency, competitive pricing, reduced procurement time, digital documentation, improved accountability, and wider participation of vendors.
The findings indicate that GeM has simplified procurement procedures in Government Colleges by replacing conventional manual purchasing with an efficient online procurement system. The platform has also created employment opportunities for procurement professionals, digital service providers, logistics companies, MSMEs, and technology-based enterprises. Furthermore, the study identifies practical challenges such as digital literacy gaps, internet connectivity issues, vendor awareness, technical support limitations, and logistics in remote areas of Chhattisgarh.
Based on the findings, the study suggests several policy recommendations. These include setting up GeM support centres at the district level, providing training programmes to improve skills, offering digital procurement training, and strengthening the connection between educational institutions and digital governance initiatives. The study concludes that GeM is not merely a procurement portal but an important instrument for promoting transparency, institutional efficiency, employment generation, and sustainable digital governance in higher education institutions.