Flipkart, Amazon look out! Private buyers may purchase from GeM soon

Private buyers will be able to make bulk purchases on Government e-marketplace

In a move set to bring the government in direct competition with e-marketplaces like Flipkart and Amazon, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal will soon be opened up to private buyers.

The official procurement portal is currently restricted to government departments, but will soon allow private entities to place bulk purchases. It will subsequently be broadened to small-ticket buying as well, GeM Chief Executive Officer Tallen Kumar said. Government contractors will also get access to the portal, he added.

A Cabinet note to this effect has been floated, officials said. E-marketplaces have been under pressure to disclose their seller lists and