The Centre’s move to amend the General Financial Rules to ease procurement norms for scientific equipment and consumables marks a vital policy correction in India’s research ecosystem. This reform, long demanded by the scientific community, is both timely and necessary, particularly as the country aspires to elevate its global standing in science, technology, and innovation. Until now, rigid procurement rules-such as mandatory purchases through the GeM and low financial thresholds-had created bottlenecks in acquiring sophisticated research tools. Many high-end instruments critical for cutting-edge research are either unavailable on GeM or require time-sensitive procurement from international vendors. The result was a delay in project execution, under-utilisation of research grants, and hampered innovation.
The revised rules now permit vice-chancellors and directors of R&D institutions to make purchases up to Rs two lahks without quotations and increase other financial thresholds significantly-Rs 25 lahks for Purchase Committee approvals and Rs One crore for limited and advertised tenders. Most importantly, they enable non-GeM procurement for scientific goods and authorise global tenders up to Rs 200 crore. These measures grant academic and research institutions the operational autonomy they urgently need. This reform gains even more significance in the current global context. India’s ambition to be a scientific superpower hinges not just on policy declarations but on enabling infrastructure. As research domains like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, space, defence technologies, and health sciences become increasingly competitive, access to timely and advanced equipment becomes non-negotiable. Furthermore, institutions such as the DRDO, ICMR, and ICAR, which directly contribute to national security, public health, and food security, can now bypass procedural delays and respond swiftly to emerging needs.
However, with this increased autonomy comes the need for accountability. Transparent mechanisms must ensure that the intent of liberalised procurement-enhancing innovation-is not undermined by mismanagement or favouritism. In essence, the amendments reflect a maturing policy outlook: one that values the urgency and unpredictability of scientific endeavour. By reducing bureaucratic friction and trusting institutional leadership, the Government has acknowledged that excellence in science requires both freedom and responsibility. This vital decision will bring a transformative shift in India’s research capabilities.
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