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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Procurement rules for scientific research eased
Mumbai: In a resounding shift, the ministry of finance eased a long-standing bottleneck in procurement rules that once tethered researchers to the govt e-Marketplace (GeM), now allowing them to source scientific equipment and consumables from outside it. The revision in monetary ceilings and procurement channels, officials say, required the direct intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For the scientific community, this isn't just administrative reform—it's an acknowledgment and a huge relief. "Science cannot be caged in platforms and progress cannot always be L1," said a frustrated scientist, who said procurement was running into long delays because of cost and quality issues. The spirit behind GeM portal is, in principle, noble, said most scientists—designed to uplift Indian suppliers and foster a self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem. "But behind the digital veneer of transparency and procurement lies a troubling reality." "As a scientist, I ask—what truly serves the nation? If I want to order a computer that serves my requirements today, I cannot buy one unless it is L1," said professor at the School of Biotechnology at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Binay Panda. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo Five amendments have been made to existing procurement rules. Vice-Chancellors and directors of India's top scientific and academic institutions no longer have to wait for clearances to procure scientific equipment and consumables for research. Under the newly eased rules, they now hold the power to approve Global Tender Enquiries—up to a staggering Rs 200 crore—if they believe the need is justified. No central nod, no extra scrutiny. Just their judgment. Similarly, the ceiling for direct purchases—those made without quotations—has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. And what once required a drawn-out trail of tenders—purchases from Rs 1 to 10 lakh—can now be cleared by a purchase committee for anything up to Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, the limits on limited tender enquiry have been lifted—from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore. And perhaps, most telling of all, said scientists—the need for open tenders—earlier triggered at Rs 50 lakh—will now apply only to purchases above Rs 1 crore. Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, took to social media and termed this as "a landmark step" for enabling #EaseOfDoingResearch. "This will reduce delays, also enhance autonomy and flexibility for research institutions—empowering them to innovate faster," he added. Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Prof Abhay Karandikar, said, "It was made possible by the collective efforts of everyone, including other scientific secretaries, PSA, Department of Expenditure and Cabinet Secretariat. " Another scientist explained that in this "algorithm-driven marketplace, the lowest bidder always wins, never mind if the product fails the test of quality. What use is cost-efficiency if it sacrifices precision and most importantly, the requirements of a scientific experiment? What use is patriotism if it's only glued on?" "They don't really make these products here," added Prof Panda. "They import many parts, assemble them locally, and slap on a Make in India sticker—as if that alone sanctifies the machine." He quickly added, "If there is a good Indian product, we do not think twice. We prefer make-in-India by default—it's more affordable, support is better, and it's close by." Most scientists echoed this. However, "We don't want to buy an Indian product if science suffers. "
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Procurement boost: Centre doubles cap for direct scientific purchases; researchers get more autonomy
In a bid to speed up scientific research and enhance institutional autonomy, the Centre has revised financial ceilings under the General Financial Rules (GFRs) for procurement of scientific equipment and consumables, ANI reported on Friday. The Finance Ministry notified that vice-chancellors, directors, and academic institutions under specified departments and ministries will now be allowed to make non-Government e-Marketplace (GeM) purchases with relaxed limits and fewer procedural constraints. The move is aimed at reducing procurement delays and giving research institutions greater operational flexibility. According to the new rules, institutions can procure scientific instruments and consumables worth up to Rs 2 lakh without needing quotations — a significant increase from the earlier Rs 1 lakh limit. Purchase committees can now approve procurements up to Rs 25 lakh, up from the previous Rs 10 lakh cap. In another key reform, vice-chancellors and directors have been empowered to approve global tenders for procurements up to Rs 200 crore. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh welcomed the move, posting on X: 'Here is some heartening news and a major breakthrough for young aspiring #StartUps, Innovators and Researchers: In a landmark step enabling #EaseOfDoingResearch, the GFR rules have been simplified for procurement of scientific equipment and consumables.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'This will reduce delays and also enhance autonomy and flexibility for research institutions — empowering them to innovate faster,' he added in the post. The new limits apply to departments such as science and technology, biotechnology, scientific and industrial research, atomic energy, space, earth sciences, and health research, including institutions under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), according to the Finance Ministry. Additionally, the relaxed procurement norms extend to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and affiliated universities and institutes offering postgraduate and doctoral-level programmes across ministries. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
