Newspapers and Magazines Procurement Through GeM Made Mandatory for Government Departments
In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and digital procurement across government offices, the Government of India has instructed all Ministries and Departments to procure newspapers and magazines exclusively through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
The directive was issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting through an Office Memorandum dated 17 April 2026, emphasizing that newspapers and magazines have been available on the GeM platform for more than five years and that the services have recently been upgraded to provide a more efficient procurement experience.
The decision is expected to streamline procurement processes, improve accountability, and promote the Government’s Digital India and e-Governance initiatives.
Government Order Issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
According to Office Memorandum No. P.11017/7/2025-PPC dated 17 April 2026, issued by the Policy Planning Cell of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, all Ministries and Departments have been advised to ensure that procurement of newspapers and magazines is carried out only through the GeM portal in accordance with existing procurement guidelines.
The memorandum notes that newspaper and magazine procurement services have been available on GeM for over five years and that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently revamped these services to improve utilization and efficiency.
What is GeM?
Government e-Marketplace, commonly known as GeM, is the Government of India’s online procurement portal designed to facilitate transparent and efficient purchase of goods and services by government organizations.
The platform enables:
Digital procurement
Competitive pricing
Transparent vendor selection
Faster purchasing processes
Real-time monitoring and audit trails
Today, GeM is used by Central Government Ministries, State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Autonomous Bodies, and other government organizations.
Key Highlights of the New Directive
Mandatory Procurement Through GeM
All Ministries and Departments have been instructed to procure newspapers and magazines only through the GeM portal.
Compliance with Existing Procurement Rules
Departments must continue to follow all applicable procurement guidelines while making purchases through GeM.
Improved Services Available
The Government has informed that newspaper and magazine procurement services on GeM have recently been upgraded to improve user experience and operational efficiency.
Enhanced Transparency
By shifting procurement activities to a single digital platform, the Government aims to reduce manual processing and increase transparency in expenditure management.
Why This Move is Important
The Government’s decision aligns with broader reforms focused on digitization and accountability in public procurement.
Better Financial Control
Online procurement helps departments track expenditure more effectively and avoid duplication.
Increased Transparency
GeM provides a transparent platform where pricing, suppliers, and transactions can be monitored and audited.
Faster Procurement Process
Departments can place orders, manage subscriptions, and track deliveries through a centralized portal.
Standardized Procurement System
A common procurement mechanism helps maintain consistency across Ministries and Departments.
Who Will Be Affected?
The directive applies to:
Central Government Ministries
Attached and Subordinate Offices
Government Departments
Public Sector Undertakings (where applicable)
Autonomous Bodies
Other government-funded organizations following central procurement guidelines
Administrative officers responsible for newspaper and magazine subscriptions will now need to route all future procurements through the GeM platform.
Government’s Objective Behind the Decision
The Government has been steadily expanding the scope of procurement through GeM to improve governance and reduce reliance on manual purchasing systems.
By mandating newspaper and magazine procurement through GeM, the Government seeks to:
Promote digital governance
Increase procurement efficiency
Improve transparency and accountability
Ensure better utilization of public funds
Create a uniform procurement ecosystem across departments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is procurement of newspapers through GeM now mandatory?
Yes. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has directed all Ministries and Departments to procure newspapers and magazines only through the GeM portal.
When was this order issued?
The Office Memorandum was issued on 17 April 2026.
Why has the Government issued this instruction?
The objective is to ensure optimal utilization of the GeM platform and improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in procurement.
Are newspapers and magazines already available on GeM?
Yes. According to the Government memorandum, these services have been available on GeM for more than five years.
Conclusion
The Government’s latest directive mandating procurement of newspapers and magazines through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marks another important step toward digitized and transparent public procurement. With upgraded services now available on the platform, Ministries and Departments are expected to adopt GeM as the exclusive channel for newspaper and magazine subscriptions, ensuring greater efficiency, accountability, and better management of public resources.
Government offices should review their existing subscription arrangements and transition future procurement activities to the GeM portal in compliance with the latest instructions issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.