Government E-Procurement System (GePNIC)

Policy Update
Siddharth

Background

The Government e-Procurement System of the National Informatics Centre (GePNIC) is one of India’s flagship digital governance projects under the National e-Governance Plan. Built by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, it was designed to replace cumbersome, paper-heavy procurement processes with a fully digital system. The goal was simple but ambitious : make government procurement faster, fairer, and more transparent.

By offering a complete online solution for everything from tender creation to awarding contracts, GePNIC helps central and state governments, as well as public sector undertakings, run procurement processes efficiently and with greater accountability. Over the years, it has become one of the most widely used procurement platforms in the country, aligning well with India’s broader push toward digital governance reforms.

Functioning

GePNIC manages the entire lifecycle of a government purchase from announcing a tender to finalizing the contract all through a secure online interface. It’s flexible enough to be customized for different departments and follows global procurement standards, including those set by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Central Vigilance Commission.

Some key features include:

Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for secure and verified transactions.
Notifications via email/SMS to keep all stakeholders informed at every stage.
High-level security with SSL encryption and role-based access.
Audit trails to track every action and ensure accountability.

Both government officials and suppliers can register and participate online. Bidders can update or withdraw their submissions before the deadline, and evaluations are carried out digitally to minimize delays and human bias.

Performance

Data from the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP), which integrates GePNIC for central agencies, shows the scale of its adoption:

12+ lakh tenders processed since launch.
8+ lakh registered bidders from across the country.
₹12 lakh crore+ in cumulative procurement value handled.
Continuous year-on-year growth in tenders awarded.

States such as Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra have fully embraced the platform, significantly reducing delays and attracting more vendors to the bidding process.

Impact

GePNIC has brought visible change to how procurement works in India:

Greater transparency with real-time tender information and complete audit logs.
Faster processes thanks to automation and elimination of manual paperwork.
Wider participation from smaller and remote vendors who previously struggled to access opportunities.
Stronger legal and security framework through DSCs and compliance with the IT Act.

A 2023 study by the Ministry of Electronics and IT found that departments using GePNIC saved up to 15% annually on procurement costs, while standardized formats and automated workflows have reduced human error.

Emerging Issues and Challenges

Despite its success, GePNIC still faces a few hurdles:

Digital divide smaller contractors and rural vendors often lack internet access or digital literacy.
Training needs staff and suppliers in smaller offices may need more hands-on guidance.
Infrastructure bottlenecks server downtime and slow speeds during peak bidding times.
Language limitations interfaces are mostly in English, which reduces inclusivity.

Suggested improvements:

Expand training and on-ground support for new users.
Introduce multilingual and AI-powered help features.
Upgrade server capacity to handle peak loads smoothly.
Run awareness campaigns in smaller towns and cities.

Way Forward

GePNIC is a strong example of how digital public infrastructure can transform government processes. Looking forward, it could incorporate advanced tools like AI-driven tender evaluation, predictive analytics for planning, and blockchain-based audit trails for even greater trust.

Integrating it with platforms like DigiLocker and e-RUPI could further simplify document handling and payment processes. With the right improvements, GePNIC can continue to push India toward its vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” delivering procurement that is transparent, efficient, and accessible to all.

References

National Informatics Centre. Government eProcurement System (GePNIC). Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://eprocure.gov.in
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. (2023). Annual report 2022–23. Government of India. Retrieved from https://www.meity.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau. (2022, May 12). GePNIC saves 15% cost annually for procurement. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/
Comptroller and Auditor General of India. (2023). Performance audit report on public procurement systems. Government of India.
PRS Legislative Research. (2023). Overview of e-governance initiatives in India. Retrieved from https://prsindia.org/

About the Contributor: Siddharth is currently pursuing his B.Tech in Mining Engineering from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. He is affiliated with IMRI as a Policy Research Intern, with prior experience in financial analysis and exploration projects. His core interests include energy policy, mining operations, sustainable resource management, and international relations.

Acknowledgment:The author extends sincere gratitude to Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for her invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout the research process.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.