TCS joins hands with Indian govt to revamp e-Marketplace GeM

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been chosen by the Indian Government to upgrade the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) into a cutting-edge public procurement platform, with an emphasis on enhanced transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness.

Understanding the Government e-Marketplace (GeM):

GeM offers an online channel for the procurement of Goods & Services needed by diverse government entities. Designed to foster transparency, speed, and efficiency, the GeM platform assists governmental users with tools like e-bidding, reverse e-auction, and demand aggregation to secure optimal value for their expenditures.

The Current Landscape and Challenges:

The GeM platform acts as a comprehensive online marketplace for central and state governments and public sector undertakings. Presently, the platform boasts a Gross Merchandize Value (GMV) of over two trillion and is accessed by 70,000 buyer organizations purchasing from 6.5 million sellers, including 800,000 SMEs. Despite its achievements, the platform grapples with scalability and adaptability challenges, impeding its potential to evolve with dynamic buyer and seller needs.

Tata Consultancy Services to Transform Indian Government’s GeM Platform for Improved Efficiency. Photo courtesy of Rameshng/Wikipedia.org.

TCS’ Vision for the New GeM:

TCS aims to develop a next-generation solution while retaining the existing GeM platform’s essence. This fresh architecture will assimilate e-commerce principles, and the forthcoming platform will anticipate a GMV growth six-fold over the forthcoming six years. The novel platform will stress interoperability and cloud neutrality, facilitating seamless onboarding of diverse buyer organizations while retaining their unique regional nuances.

The redesigned user experience will encourage participation from a broader range of vendors, especially SMEs/MSMEs. Predictive analytics and advanced AI/ML technologies will streamline supply chain management and pinpoint potential fraudulent activities.

Insights from Key Stakeholders:

P K Singh, CEO, GeM, shared, “In its next avatar, GeM aspires to be a comprehensive platform for government procurement, fostering ease of doing business and transparency. Teaming up with TCS guarantees unparalleled experience and innovative solutions.”

Tej Paul Bhatla of TCS, commented, “Our partnership with the Government of India fortifies our commitment to Digital India. Our vast experience will propel GeM’s vision for the upcoming decade, emphasizing enhanced user experience, transparency, and inclusivity.”

Over the past two decades, TCS’ Public Services India has delivered several national programs, creating digital public infrastructure, enhancing citizen services, and impacting billions.