SWAMI DIVYAGYAN
Ranchi, Dec 14: In a significant move towards economic empowerment and transparency, Jharkhand’s business community and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are rapidly adopting the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform. This initiative, launched by the Government of India, has become a vital tool for fostering growth, promoting local products, and creating a direct link between businesses and government buyers.
GeM, a fully digital procurement platform, has revolutionized the way government departments and public sector undertakings procure goods and services. By simplifying processes, reducing intermediaries, and ensuring cost-effectiveness, GeM has opened new avenues for Jharkhand’s enterprises, particularly those in rural and remote areas.
A Platform for Transparency and Growth
According to Rahul Sabu, Vice President of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, GeM is a “revolutionary step towards a self-reliant India.” He added, “This platform empowers MSMEs, offering them direct opportunities to collaborate with the government. I encourage all businesses in Jharkhand to maximize this platform’s potential.”
GeM allows businesses to register and sell their products directly to government entities, bypassing traditional procurement bottlenecks. The platform’s digital approach ensures a transparent and efficient process, benefitting both sellers and buyers.
GeM’s Impact on Jharkhand’s Businesses
Jharkhand’s rich cultural heritage and industrial capabilities make it a prime beneficiary of GeM. The platform has provided traders and MSMEs with direct access to government markets, enabling them to showcase and sell their products on a larger scale.
Direct Market Access: Businesses can now sell their products to government departments without intermediaries.
Promotion of Local Products: GeM has provided a wider market for Jharkhand’s tussar silk, bamboo crafts, and lacquerware.
Cost Efficiency: The digital process has reduced transaction costs and time for small businesses.
Focus on MSMEs: Special provisions have been made to prioritize MSMEs in government procurement, fostering their growth and sustainability.
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Challenges Hindering Full Utilization
While GeM has benefited the business community, traders in Jharkhand face certain challenges in utilizing its full potential:
Lack of Technical Knowledge: Many small traders, especially in rural areas, struggle to navigate the platform.
Document-Related Issues: The absence of essential documents like PAN, GST registration, and Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) acts as a barrier for many traders.
Language Barrier: Since GeM is primarily available in English, traders who prefer Hindi or regional languages face difficulties.
Internet Connectivity: Poor internet infrastructure in remote areas limits the ability of businesses to use the platform effectively.
Competition with Large Companies: Small businesses find it difficult to compete with established corporations on GeM.
Proposed Solutions to Boost Adoption
To address these challenges, the Jharkhand government and GeM management are working on multiple initiatives:
Technical Training: Workshops and training programs are being organized to educate traders about GeM usage.
Document Support Centers: Assistance is being provided to help traders obtain and upload necessary documents.
Language Accessibility: Efforts are underway to make the platform available in Hindi and regional languages.
Infrastructure Development: Plans to improve internet connectivity in rural areas are being prioritized.
Special MSME Quotas: Reserved quotas for local artisans and MSMEs in government procurement are being introduced.
Traditional Industries Find New Lifelines
GeM has been instrumental in promoting Jharkhand’s traditional industries, giving them a new lease on life.
Handicrafts and Cottage Industries: Products like tussar silk, bamboo crafts, and lacquer jewelry are finding national and international buyers.
Mineral-Based Industries: Government departments are increasingly sourcing mineral-based products from the state.
Agricultural and Forest Products: Farmers and forest produce gatherers are now able to connect directly with government buyers through GeM.
Driving Jharkhand Towards Prosperity
GeM is not just a procurement platform; it is a catalyst for Jharkhand’s socio-economic development. By bridging the gap between businesses and government buyers, it fosters inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency. The platform also aligns with the government’s vision of a self-reliant India.
Jharkhand’s business community, particularly MSMEs, stands to gain immensely from GeM. With continued adoption, improved infrastructure, and targeted support, GeM has the potential to transform the state into a hub of economic activity, empowering its traders and artisans to compete on a global stage. For Jharkhand, GeM is more than a marketplace—it is a gateway to sustained economic growth and prosperity.
