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Chhattisgarh wins GeM Sustainable Procurement Award for transparent governance
Chhattisgarh's innovative use of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for procurement has earned it the prestigious GeM Sustainable Procurement Award.
Chhattisgarh has received the GeM Sustainable Procurement Award for its efforts to expand transparent and technology-enabled government procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The award was presented during GeM’s 10th Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi.
The recognition comes as procurement by the state through GeM more than doubled in the financial year 2025-26, reaching ₹3,935 crore. According to the state government, procurement through the digital platform grew 113% compared with the previous financial year, as departments, corporations and local bodies increasingly adopted the marketplace.
Procurement through GeM rises to ₹3,935 crore
The state government said the increase in GeM adoption has helped bring a larger share of public procurement onto a common digital platform, enabling transparent price discovery, competitive bidding and an auditable transaction process.
The award was conferred under the Premier Awards in the State Government Felicitation category for Chhattisgarh’s sustained efforts towards GeM adoption and the growth in procurement value and volume. The award ceremony was organised under the theme “GeM 10: A Decade of Exponential Possibilities” in the presence of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and senior government representatives.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the officers and employees involved in the achievement. He said the recognition reflected the state’s focus on transparency, accountability and efficient use of public funds.
Competitive bidding saves ₹130 crore
According to the state government, competitive bidding through GeM resulted in savings of ₹130 crore during FY 2025-26. The savings were achieved through competitive price discovery, with qualified sellers participating in the digital procurement process.
Over the past three financial years, the state has recorded cumulative savings of ₹235 crore through competitive bidding on GeM. The government said open bidding, standardised specifications and digital records have helped strengthen transparency while allowing departments to compare prices and select suppliers through a more structured process.
The state is also reviewing procurement procedures and tender specifications to balance quality requirements with greater competition among suppliers.
MSME procurement reaches ₹1,800 crore
The expansion of digital procurement has also increased the participation of micro and small enterprises in government purchases. Procurement from MSEs rose 61% to ₹1,800 crore in FY 2025-26, exceeding the mandated 25% procurement target.
The state government said access to GeM allows smaller enterprises to directly participate in government demand through a digital marketplace, reducing dependence on intermediaries and providing a wider market for their products and services.
The increase in procurement from smaller businesses is also expected to support market expansion and employment opportunities across the state.
Women entrepreneurs and startups see higher orders
Chhattisgarh also recorded significant growth in procurement from women entrepreneurs, SC/ST-owned enterprises and startups during FY 2025-26.
Procurement from women entrepreneurs increased 97%, while orders to SC/ST entrepreneurs grew 108%. Startups recorded the highest growth among the categories, with procurement increasing 178% during the year.
Rajat Kumar, Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries, said GeM had created a direct route to government demand for enterprises across the state. He said the platform provides a common entry point where supplier capability and competitiveness can determine procurement outcomes.
Focus on technology-led governance
The state government said the GeM award is part of its broader efforts to use technology to simplify administrative processes, strengthen accountability and improve utilisation of public resources.
The government plans to further expand GeM adoption across departments and institutions while encouraging more MSMEs, startups and local enterprises to participate in public procurement.
The state said the combination of higher digital procurement, financial savings and wider participation of emerging businesses demonstrates the potential of technology-based procurement to improve efficiency while creating broader economic opportunities.
