Madhya Pradesh is stepping up its use of the national online procurement system, with senior officials from the centre and state coming together to push for wider integration. The discussions focused on making public buying smoother, fairer, and more open for everyone involved.
High-Level Talks in Bhopal Drive Change
The head of the Government e Marketplace met the top administrative officer of Madhya Pradesh in the state capital recently. Their conversation centred on practical ways to get more government departments and local bodies to use the digital marketplace for all their purchases.
Both leaders agreed that a single, clear system for buying goods and services helps cut confusion and builds trust. They want every office, from village councils to public sector companies, to follow the same online process. This approach leaves less room for doubt and ensures smaller businesses get a fair chance to supply the government.
Why a Unified System Matters
Having one platform for all public buying means officials can track spending in real time. Buyers see exactly what is available, compare prices instantly, and choose the best offer without paperwork delays. Sellers, especially those running small workshops or startups, gain direct access to thousands of government clients across the country.
The central team explained that similar meetings are happening in other large states. The Commerce Minister has already written to chief ministers, asking them to update local purchase rules so they match the national guidelines. Even union territories are being urged to shift completely to the online system.
Madhya Pradesh Shows Strong Growth on GeM
Local businesses in the state have embraced the platform quickly. More than 86,000 sellers from Madhya Pradesh now have active accounts. Small and micro enterprises lead the way, proving that digital tools can level the playing field.
Since the marketplace started, these smaller firms have secured orders worth Rs 5,523 crore from buyers within the state. Another Rs 2,030 crore came from government offices in neighbouring states, while central ministries placed contracts worth Rs 20,298 crore. That adds up to Rs 27,851 crore flowing to local MSEs through a single portal.
Such numbers show that Madhya Pradesh vendors are no longer limited to state borders. A shop in Indore or a factory in Gwalior can now supply materials to a Delhi ministry or a Kerala university with equal ease. The platform removes middlemen and opens doors that were once closed to smaller players.
Building a Fair Marketplace for All
The national procurement body wants every seller to feel confident about joining. Clear rules, instant payments, and open bidding create an environment where quality and price decide the winner, not personal connections. Training sessions and help desks are being expanded so even first-time users can list products without hassle.
State officials welcomed the idea of linking local purchase policies with the central framework. They see it as a way to save money, reduce delays, and keep records clean. When every transaction is visible online, auditors and citizens can check spending without digging through files.
Next Steps for Wider Reach
Both sides plan follow-up workshops for district officers and municipal staff. The goal is to train at least one person in every buying unit so the shift to online procurement happens smoothly. Special focus will go to rural bodies and cooperative societies that still rely on old methods.
The marketplace team also promised faster grievance handling and simpler registration for women-led enterprises and startups. These steps aim to bring more diverse suppliers into the system and keep the momentum going.
As the total value of goods bought through the platform crosses new records, Madhya Pradesh stands out as a state willing to modernise quickly. The recent meeting in Bhopal signals that public buying in the state will soon be fully digital, transparent, and inclusive.
Small businesses across the state now have a real shot at government contracts that were once out of reach. With continued support from leaders at both levels, the online marketplace is set to become the default choice for every public purchase in Madhya Pradesh.