Government e Marketplace (GeM) Collaborates with ORMAS to Empower Odisha’s Micro Enterprises

Bhubaneswar:  In a significant move towards fostering economic empowerment and inclusive growth in Odisha, Government e Marketplace (GeM) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS). The MoU, signed in the presence of Shri Pradip Kumar Amat, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, Government of Odisha, aims to provide a direct market linkage for micro enterprises and rural producers associated with ORMAS.

ORMAS has been at the forefront of supporting MSEs, rural entrepreneurs, and producers in Odisha by establishing effective marketing channels for their business growth. The organization also offers handholding support to all its affiliated stakeholders in marketing and branding activities.

Through this collaboration, all micro enterprises and rural producers affiliated with ORMAS will be onboarded onto the GeM platform. GeM, an online public procurement portal, will facilitate direct market linkages for these regional sellers and service providers, enabling them to conduct business with government buyers across the country.

The MoU particularly benefits sellers such as women and SC/ST MSEs, startups, weavers, artisans, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, and others associated with ORMAS. These entities will have the opportunity to showcase their product catalogues under dedicated outlets on GeM, enhancing their brand visibility and establishing robust marketing networks for rural produces.

GeM, since its inception, has prioritized social inclusion. The platform has undertaken various initiatives to widen the participation of pan-India sellers and service providers in public procurement activities. Through the digitization of all procurement activities, GeM has streamlined the ease of doing business by eliminating manual interventions and barriers to entry.

Launched in August 2016 as part of the government’s “Digital India” initiative, GeM aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to public procurement. Driven by its core pillars of Efficiency, Transparency, and Inclusivity, the platform seeks to simplify the public procurement process, reduce paperwork, and promote the use of digital technology for better governance.

This collaboration between GeM and ORMAS is poised to create a positive impact on the economic landscape of Odisha by providing a platform for local businesses to thrive on a national scale, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.