New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- The government e-marketplace (GeM) has achieved a significant milestone by crossing Rs.15 trillion in cumulative procurement value since its inception in 2016, the commerce ministry said on Monday.

The platform, which was launched to enhance transparency and efficiency in purchases of goods and services by government departments and organisations, has now emerged as a central pillar of India's procurement ecosystem, increasingly relied upon by both government buyers and small sellers.

The achievement comes at a time when the government is seeking to expand opportunities for micro and small enterprises, startups and women-led businesses through policy reforms, and officials see GeM's growing reach as an important to...