Mumbai: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to enhance financial access for sellers registered on the platform. Under the partnership, PNB will provide unsecured short-term credit to eligible sellers as part of the GeM Sahay initiative, strengthening liquidity and supporting timely order execution.
MoU Signing and Key Participants
The MoU was signed by:
- Ajit B. Chavan, Additional CEO & Chief Seller Officer, GeM
- Atish Kumar Rout, General Manager – DBTD, PNB
This agreement officially onboards PNB as a lending partner on the GeM Sahay platform, enabling sellers to access financing against confirmed purchase orders.
Benefits for Sellers on GeM
Through this collaboration, GeM sellers can:
- Avail unsecured short-term credit
- Obtain financing against confirmed GeM purchase orders
- Address working capital requirements efficiently
- Improve liquidity for smooth and timely order fulfillment
The initiative integrates credit access into the procurement ecosystem, simplifying the funding process and supporting business continuity for sellers.
Focus on MSMEs, Startups, and Emerging Enterprises
The GeM Sahay partnership particularly benefits:
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Startups and emerging enterprises
- Sellers participating in government procurement
By reducing financial barriers, the collaboration encourages wider participation in public procurement through a transparent, digital marketplace.
Strengthening India’s Digital Procurement Ecosystem
PNB’s onboarding as a lending partner under GeM Sahay reinforces its commitment to:
- Ease of doing business
- Expanding credit access for small and growing businesses
- Promoting the Digital India vision with a seamless, paperless loan process
Speaking on the partnership, Shri Atish Kumar Rout, General Manager – DBTD, PNB, stated:
“This collaboration with GeM aims to advance Digital India by offering financial support to sellers, reducing manual efforts, and improving transparency and efficiency across the procurement ecosystem.”
About Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Punjab National Bank is one of India’s leading public sector banks, offering a wide range of financial services including retail, corporate, and digital banking. With a strong nationwide presence, PNB continues to support MSMEs, startups, and government initiatives by providing innovative financing solutions and promoting financial inclusion.
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