In a move poised to significantly boost India's research and innovation ecosystem, the central government has eased the rules for purchasing scientific equipment and consumables by Research and Development (R&D) institutes. The changes, which address long-standing demands from the scientific community, aim to reduce bureaucratic delays, enhance institutional autonomy, and foster a more dynamic research environment.
One of the most significant changes is the enhancement of financial limits for procurement. Research institutions can now purchase scientific equipment and consumables up to ₹2 lakh without seeking quotations, a notable increase from the previous limit of ₹1 lakh. Furthermore, the financial limit for procurement by the Purchase Committee has been raised to ₹25 lakh from ₹10 lakh. The limits for procuring goods using limited tender enquiry (LTE) and advertised tender enquiry have also been increased to ₹1 crore from the existing ₹50 lakh.
Vice Chancellors and directors of scientific organizations and academic institutions now have the authority to make non-GeM procurement of scientific equipment and consumables. Moreover, they are designated as competent authorities to approve the issuance of global tender enquiries of up to ₹200 crore for scientific equipment and consumables required for research purposes.
These amendments to the General Financial Rules (GFR) will apply to various departments, including the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Scientific and Industrial Research, Atomic Energy, Space, Earth Sciences, and Health Research, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), along with their affiliated institutions and universities, will also benefit.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, emphasized that the goal is to provide as much freedom as possible for innovation within the available framework. He noted that while the GeM portal was introduced to ensure transparency, it may not always meet the specialized requirements of researchers. He also highlighted the importance of aligning with global benchmarks as India aims to play a more prominent global role.
These reforms have been lauded as a welcome step towards granting greater financial autonomy and increasing flexibility and responsiveness in research-related expenditure. Scientists have expressed optimism that these changes will help Indian research become more competitive on a global scale. The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes flexibility in education and encourages research-led learning.
The easing of rules is expected to reduce delays in research projects, improve access to high-end equipment, and motivate young scholars, start-ups, and innovators. While greater autonomy is being granted, the government has stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and integrity, entrusting the scientific community to use this freedom wisely. These reforms are built on a foundation of trust and accountability, with the aim of fostering "ease of doing research" and minimizing procedural delays, ultimately accelerating India's scientific output.
