Govt. Eases Procurement Norms for Research Labs
Relavence: Science & Technology
Context
On June 5, 2025, the Finance Ministry issued a circular relaxing procurement rules for scientific institutions. This follows persistent concerns from researchers regarding the limitations of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform in sourcing high-quality, customised research equipment essential for scientific reproducibility.
Key Issues
- Mandatory use of GeM had led to:
- Procurement of sub-standard scientific instruments
- Delays due to proof-of-non-availability requirements
- Compromised research quality and innovation timelines
Key Reforms Introduced
- Non-GeM Procurement Allowed
- Heads of institutions (Directors, VCs, Chancellors) can now bypass GeM for purchasing scientific equipment and consumables.
- Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) Approvals Decentralised
- Institutional heads can approve GTEs up to ₹200 crore.
- Earlier, only Secretaries of DST, DBT, MoES had this power.
- Revised Procurement Ceilings (adjusted for inflation)
- Direct purchase (no quotation): Raised from ₹1 lakh → ₹2 lakh
- Purchase Committee limit: ₹10 lakh → ₹25 lakh
- Tender Enquiry cap: ₹50 lakh → ₹1 crore
Eligibility Criteria
Relaxations apply only to:
- Institutions under:
- Ministry of Science & Technology
- CSIR, ICAR, ICMR, Department of Space, DAE
- Postgraduate research institutions under other ministries
Not applicable to general government departments or non-scientific purchases.
Significance
- Enhances research autonomy and efficiency
- Reduces bureaucratic delays
- Strengthens India’s R&D ecosystem
- Supports Make in India, without compromising scientific standards
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