GeM Registration in Kolkata, West Bengal – Features, Process, Documents Required, Benefits

Overview of GeM registration in Kolkata, West Bengal

Public procurement is a method used by state-owned enterprises and government departments to purchase services and goods for their operational needs from private businesses. But, at times there are higher chances of collusion or corruptive practices taking place in the process. Hence, the Govt of India launched the Government E-Marketplace, an e-marketplace for public procurement from private individuals or businesses following the provisions of the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961 on 9 Aug 2016. It facilitates the union/state Government Departments/Ministries to procure goods/services of the highest quality at reasonable prices within the necessary delivery period from 3lakhs+ sellers listed on the portal.

The primary aim of the GeM is to encourage public participation, allow access to small-scale industries & start-ups to large buyers, ensure faster procurement of goods & services, and above all, bring transparency in the public procurement processes through direct purchase or e-bidding for larger orders in a contactless manner through direct purchase by Government/ Ministries /Departments of Central/State Governments from manufacturers/service providers directly with least interaction possible.

The GeM portal completes control and ownership of the marketplace through a Special Purpose Vehicle, a non-profit company formed under the direction & supervision of the Ministry of Commerce, under the Union Government of India. It overlooks the functionalities of the portal.

For the facilitation of smooth transactions between sellers & buyers, the GeM portal offers tools such as reverse e-auction, e-bidding, and demand aggregation to help government users/buyers get the best value for their money. However, to avail of all the benefits of the GEM, one needs to register themselves as a buyer or seller on the online GEM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal.

GeM registration in West Bengal

West Bengal is prominently known as the city of joy for its elated personification of culture, enthralling love, hidden mystery, and mouthwatering sweet delicacies. It is located along the Bay of Bengal in the eastern part of the country. This state shares the international boundary with Nepal and Bhutan in the north, Bangladesh in the east, and national boundaries with Odisha in the South-west, Jharkhand in the West, and Bihar in the North-West, Sikkim in the North, and Assam in the North-East. West Bengal is 4th in terms of population and 13th in terms of area in India. The state’s capital is Kolkata, the 3rd largest metropolitical city and the 7th largest in terms of population in India. As per the demographics, Bengalis are the main ethnic group comprising most of the population. There are many languages spoken in this region, but among them, majorly spoken languages are Bengali and English.

West Bengal possesses two world heritage sites and is the country’s 7th most visited tourist destination. This state owns a peerless and diverse geographical division with numerous natural assets, stretching from the Darjeeling mountains of the Himalayans north to the Gangetic plain south. The state shares the ultimate rhythm from exquisite and quiet beaches of the coastal plain to the world’s largest Delta(Sunderbans), which is also known for providing a natural abode for the scarce wild species of Royal Bengal Tigers. This state is known for its traits in unfolded and untold mysteries, rich cultural heritage architecture with the blend of fine arts and embroidery, brilliant folk festivals, traditional customs and rituals, delicious cuisines, and many pleased specialties about this magical land. This state has the ultimate vision to form the home of legendary freedom fighters, sinners, saints, poets, and many others concentrated as the cultural and intellectual hub since pre-colonial times.

The economy of West Bengal is based on agricultural production and small and medium-sized business models. The proportion of Agricultural land in Bihar state is the highest among all Indian states, and this state significantly contributes to India’s Rice harvest. After the economic stagnation for years, in 2020-21, the economy of West Bengal is the 6th largest in the country in terms of gross state domestic product (GSDP). It has India’s 20th highest GSDP per capita. West Bengal state has the 28th highest ranking among the Indian States on Human Development Index. Other service sectors such as trade, finance, insurance, and other related activities have also shown significant growth in the past few years.

Capital- Kolkata

Top Business Idea in West Bengal

As per the study and statistics performed in 2015-16, West Bengal is the 6th largest state (around 140.56 billion USD) that majorly contributes to the Indian economy’s GDP. This state has immense potential in the field of startup vision. Also, the state facilitates robust connectivity to the rest of India by making it one of the most demanding and lucrative platforms for initiating a profitable and productive business. Given below are the list of a top business idea that can bring a change to the realm of the business ecosystem:-

Quick Service Restaurant Business

People of this region of India are real food lovers as the recent study and research show that there is considerable growth in the number of fast-food lovers among the people living in the urban towns and cities of West Bengal. As per the region’s requirement, you should set up or buy a franchise of famous and reputed fast-food brands such as Chickblast, Kathi Junction, KFC, Dominos, etc., in the venture of the pertaining industry.

Florist shop Business

The flower-selling business has seen credible growth in the past few years, especially in West Bengal. However, there are mainly two reasons. The first reason is an increase in the purchasing power of the young generation and the second reason is citizens of this state are religiously hyped. Merely all the festivals in west Bengal are celebrated with pomp and joy, but the inclusion of flowers can fulfill the main essence of the celebrations. Companies like Ferns and Petals, Floralis, etc., offer franchise opportunities in West Bengal. Thereby building a profitable and cost-effective business idea with an optimistic future.

Diagnostic Center Business

A person who has an experience in the field of laboratory science can establish or set up a diagnostic center business idea with a considerable capital amount. These Diagnostic Center business with pathology is one of the most productive and lucrative businesses in the field of medicine and the pharms industry. The awareness of the physician and the increase in the patient’s requirements to take high-quality care services in West Bengal have increased the demand for the best quality diagnostic center. Many companies like Apollo, Thyrocare, etc., are offering franchise opportunities for the investors as per the ease of doing business.

The startup ecosystem in West Bengal

Startups have entered every expected corner of the country. Hence, by breaking many cultural biases and helping the economy to grow. The government of West Bengal has come up with an initiative to facilitate the startup to access the various required resources of the Startup Eco-System in the state. The Startup Bengal initiative majorly assists in stimulating an entrepreneurial environment in the state. The main objective of this initiative is to create an enabling environment to inspire the youth of this state and encourage them to engage with all stakeholders and investors of the Startup to strengthen the start-ups.

A comprehensive startup initiative will support the startups at all stages. These entrepreneurship programs must be added to the curriculum or syllabus of the educational institutions to foster youth to come up with new innovative business ideas. In the past few years, this state has set an example in building an environment that consistently registers new organizations throughout the state. Creating a vibrant and proper framework, including coaching by using the existing business associations like the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs in West Bengal, etc., thus the entrepreneurs and investors are the crucial assets as they are an essential tool for economic development and creating job opportunities throughout the state.

Salient Features of GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal

1. The GeM portal is a simple, convenient & contact-less marketplace that enables the buyers (Govt departments/Ministries/PSUs) to procure goods & services from the sellers who have registered themselves & listed on the portal in an efficient & transparent manner.
2. The GeM online marketplace has disrupted the traditional means of public procurement, and the whole concept rests on these three pillars namely- Inclusion, Usability & Transparency; and Efficiency and Cost Savings.
3. With tools like reverse e-auction, e-bidding, and demand aggregation, etc. among others, the GeM portal acts as a one-stop-shop that facilitates easier online e-procurement of consumer goods & services as required by various government sectors and departments.
4. Registration as either a buyer or a seller is the prerequisite to accessing the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal. Also, it shall be compulsory for every seller to mention the ‘Country of Origin’ during the registration process, which will be displayed later on the portal. With GeM the Government of India aims to extend its support to smaller businesses and start-ups that can provide better products at reasonable prices.
5. The GeM portal eliminates the human interface allowing the buyer to search, compare select from the variety of products, and buy in bulk available on the platform which provides for details such as product details, quantities, etc. including all details required for each product. Similarly, the seller could list the products, and keep a check on the supplies, payments, and price changes as per the requirements and changing needs of the market.
6. Since the GeM portal is a completely transparent platform, there are no entry barriers or conditions for seller registration on the platform. The parties to a transaction on any particular transaction on the platform are notified of each progress through SMS and e-mail notifications for each transaction that takes place on the platform.

Important terms under the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal

i. Buyer – The organizations who are eligible to register as a Buyer and are authorized to procure goods from the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal–

• Ministries under Central Government/State Government
• Departments under the State government including its subordinate offices.
• Autonomous bodies registered under Union & State Governments
• Central and State autonomous bodies.
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Local bodies.

However, the buyer’s abovementioned shall be required to authorize Government officers/heads of offices as the primary users on the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal, which includes-

• Any officer of Central Government/State government/ Public Sector Units (PSU).
• Autonomous bodies/ Local bodies/ Constitutional Bodies, or Statutory Bodies at the Deputy secretarial level;
• Head of the office at Sub-Centre/ Unit/ Branch.

It is to be noted that these primary users are only responsible for registering their organizations on the GeM portal, but they are prohibited from participating in the process of procurement and can only be a consignee to receive a service/product. They are required to create user accounts for the secondary users, assign them roles and responsibilities and supervise all secondary users’ transactions on the portal. Secondary users will be responsible for procuring supplies of goods/services and related functions like receipt of stores, placing contracts and making seller payments, etc. The secondary user shall be authorized to use the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal for such purchases as provided below-

After obtaining bids, the purchases must be made using the reverse auction tool or online bidding provided on the portal (except in the case of automobiles where the applicable limit is Rs. 30Lakh. However, the procuring authorities should certify the reasonability of rates.

ii. Seller – Every seller who wishes to offer his products/services to the buyers on the GeM portal needs to register himself as a listed Seller by making an online application along with the prescribed documents and fees, i.e. commonly known as GeM registration.

In other words, the seller is a legal entity that sells his/her goods or renders services to the buyers registered on the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal. Any of the following may be registered as a seller on the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal-

• Sole Proprietorship firm.
• Partnership firm.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
• Private and public limited company.
• Society registered under the Societies Act.
• Statutory bodies.

iii. Original Equipment Manufacturer – Under the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal, there are two categories of sellers i.e. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or an authorized Reseller. While OEM is the actual owner of the trademarked products offered for sale on the portal or such actual manufacturers who do not possess any trademark, whereas reseller is a person/entity having the authorization to sell products manufactured by the OEM in the open market.

Following are the persons who are considered OEMs and can sell products on the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal:

• Manufacturers
• Brand owners and third-party manufacturing.
• Importer and authorized sellers.
• Service provider.
• Assemblers

Process of GeM Seller Registration Online in Kolkata, West Bengal

Step 1 – Access the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal

In the first step of registration, the applicant will be required to access the GeM portal by logging on to (https://gem.gov.in/). On the page, you will find two tabs Seller or Buyer registration, the user will be able to find it right below the “Sign Up” tab, which will redirect him to the page of “terms and conditions” of the website, before, starting the process, go through the module accurately before tapping on the “accept” option.

Step 2- Create a Seller Account on the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal

The first step towards seller registration on the GeM portal is by creating an account for the prospective seller. Registration on the GeM portal should be done only by an authorized person (Director of the organization or a key person/proprietor). Sellers can sign up on GeM through the Aadhaar/PAN card of the key person of the organization.

Step 3- Update Organization Profile & Fill up the Form in Kolkata, West Bengal

After acceptance of the terms & conditions on the portal, the user will be redirected to the gem seller registration form.  During this, the user will be required to fill in details of the applicant as well as his organization in four main sections- PAN validation, Organization details, office location, and bank account details. Further, there are three operational sections i.e. MSE, Start-up, & Tax Assessment, which need to be completed one by one.

• Jot down the name of the organization correctly.
• Now, the user will be required to choose the type of registration as per his comfortability. i.e. Aadhaar or PAN-based registration and further include personal details such as the Name of the applicant or authorized signatory, card number, DoB, address, etc.
• Next, the user will enter his mobile number details which should be in use, and verify the same using OTP. To receive OTP Tap on the “Send OTP” option. Once OTP is received, enter the OTP in the prescribed section & authenticate it. Similarly, the user has to authenticate his email address.
• Once the user authentication is completed, he can create his username along with the password for accessing the GeM portal & completing the process of GeM seller registration.

After the completion of the user profile on the portal, caution money has to be paid by the seller under the turnover of the entity.

Step 4- Seller Assessment on GeM in Kolkata, West Bengal

In the next step, the seller needs to apply for seller assessment through the GeM portal to obtain an OEM certificate. Seller Assessment is compulsory for those who wish to participate in public procurement of Q1& Q2 categories of products, which is carried out by the Quality Council of India. Thus, irrespective of the category of products required to be sold on the portal, manufacturers must become OEMs.

Step 5- Listing of the Products/Services to be procured through GeM in Kolkata, West Bengal

Subsequently, after registration & assessment, the OEM can list his offerings with his brand under the relevant category of products & services. Vendors can list their products whether or not the trademark is registered or not registered on unbranded products. After listing, the products & services of the sellers/vendors will go on live on the GeM website after the GeM authority approves the listing.

Step 6 – Bid Participation & Appointment of Resellers in Kolkata, West Bengal

After listing the products or services to be procured by the buyers on the platform, any registered seller can participate in the tender & submit quotations and accept orders on GeM.  OEMs can submit bids either through themselves or through the authorization of resellers to list their products & services after getting approval.

Next, whenever any buyer buys any products, the concerned seller needs to deliver the product to the consignee when an order is received by entering its details on the portal. After the order is delivered, the consignee will inspect the product and issue acceptance or rejection online. If the consignee accepts the order, he/she will generate a Consignee Receipt and Acceptance Certificate (CRAC).

Once the CRAC is issued, the buyer will process the bill & forward the same to the payment authority post which the payment will be received within ten days of the generation of CRAC.

Caution Money is required to be deposited for GeM Registration in Kolkata, West Bengal

Documents Required for GeM Registration in Kolkata, West Bengal

Like any other process of authorized documentation, the user will be required to prepare & keep ready the following documents while filling the form for seller registration on the GeM portal in Kolkata, West Bengal-

• Proof of identification for the primary user (proprietor/ nominated partner or authorized signatory in case of company/LLP) e. Aadhaar, PAN, etc.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the business organization including Udyog Aadhaar, or LLP-associated requirements
• Verification of the Authorised person of the business organization through Income Tax Return)
• Details of – Registered Office, Billing Address, Factory, Warehouse, other Office Premises
• Bank Account details of the business along with the supporting KYC documents;
• Trademark registration certification;
• Details of communication mobile number & email address as per Aadhaar Card
• MSME registration certificate(where applicable)
• NSIC registration certificate (if applicable)
• The latest copy of ITR (along with the details related to business profits or gains)

It is to be noted that during the process of seller profile assessment if any of the documents submitted are found to possess false information, such applicant will be exterminated from the registration procedure.

Benefits of GeM Portal in Kolkata, West Bengal

i. Encourages Equal Public Participation in Govt. Tenders– The primary objective behind the launch of GeM is to curb corruptive practices and allow more public participation in Government tenders.

ii. Simple, Convenient & User-Friendly Dashboard- The GeM portal has been designed in a way to simplify end-to-end processes from registration to transaction between sellers & buyers on the platform, which could be completed the conveniently at any place by any applicant in India. Further, with new tools like e-bidding, auction, payment, contract management, etc. the process has been made more effective as well as efficient.

 iii. Allows greater benefits for the buyers- The GeM portal also allows several benefits for the buyers including-

• Opportunity to get the best from the variety of offerings available from the sellers at reasonable prices through e-bidding from more than 3Lakh sellers;
• Longer bidding duration between 10-21 days;
• Pin-code-based seller choice for direct purchases;
• Availability of ATC library for the addition of terms and conditions;

iv. Benefits to SMEs & Start-ups– The GeM portal also allows benefits to small-scale industries & start-ups with features such as –

• Allowing Direct purchases up to Rs. ₹25,000
• L1 purchases for sums between ₹25,000 – 5 Lakhs rupees.
• Enables price comparisons and price trends between Multiple Suppliers
• Allows Integrated Payment Systems & notifications to suppliers directly.

v. Complete Online security – The GeM portal safeguards sensitive information related to both parties through its secure platform. It also takes effective measures such as e-verification of documents & e-signed digitally at each stage.

vi. Effective Grievance Redressal Mechanism – GeM portal allows a quick & effective online grievance redressal mechanism between parties online.

vii. Introduction of new features for OEMs- In order to afford more convenience for OEMs, there have been certain new features introduced through the portal which include additional enhanced parameters in the existing report apart from the new chart widgets in agreement with the OEM & MAIT recommendations.

viii. Benefits for Sellers-

• Direct Access To The Largest Buyers In The Country
• PAN (Presence across Nation) India Reach With Minimal Marketing
• Direct Purchase, Bids, And Reverse Auctions
• Dynamic Pricing Based On Market Conditions
• Multi-Lingual Support Desk

Make in India (MII) Certificate for OEMs in Kolkata, West Bengal

Through a circular no. P-45021 was notified on 04.06. 2020, the Department of Promotion of Industry & internal trade, under the Government of India declared a ‘Make in India’ certificate to be issued to the sellers in Kolkata, West Bengal encouraging the Make in India initiative & promoting the manufacturing and production of goods & services in India and further create employment opportunities  & enhance the income of the population. The sellers having the Make in India certificate will be given more preference during L1 (lowest bidding) during receiving bids for the tenders. Additionally, local suppliers holding a Make in India certificate on the GeM will also be given preference under other categories.