Govt raises financial limits to ease procurement for scientific research
I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.The government has increased financial limits for procuring scientific equipment and consumables to enhance research capabilities. Vice-chancellors and directors can now purchase items worth up to ₹2 lakh without quotations, and committee purchases have a new limit of ₹25 lakh. The threshold for limited and advertised tender enquiries has risen to ₹1 crore. Additionally, global tender enquiries for research-related procurement can now be approved up to ₹200 crore. These changes aim to reduce delays and promote innovation across various research institutions, including those in defense and health sectors.
In a move aimed at boosting scientific research, the government has revised financial thresholds for the purchase of scientific equipment and consumables across various research institutions, including those involved in defence.
Higher limits for direct and committee-based purchases
According to the amendments to the special provisions under the General Financial Rules (GFR), vice-chancellors and directors of research and development institutions can now procure scientific instruments and consumables worth up to ₹2 lakh without the need for quotations, double the earlier limit of ₹1 lakh.
Similarly, the financial ceiling for purchases made through a purchase committee has been raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh. The threshold for procuring goods via the limited tender enquiry (LTE) or advertised tender enquiry method has also been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore.
In addition, vice-chancellors and directors have now been authorised to approve global tender enquiries for research-related procurement of scientific equipment and consumables up to a value of ₹200 crore.
Simplified rules to benefit a wide range of institutions
Describing the changes as a "landmark step enabling ease of doing research", Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X that the simplified GFR rules will minimise delays, promote institutional autonomy and flexibility, and help accelerate the pace of innovation.
Here is a 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. This will reduce delays,… pic.twitter.com/ABaLofMUwK
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) June 7, 2025
The revised procurement norms will apply to departments such as science and technology, biotechnology, scientific and industrial research, atomic energy, space, earth sciences, and health research, including the Indian Council of Medical Research.
Institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and its affiliated universities and institutes offering postgraduate and doctoral-level programmes under any ministry or department will also benefit from the relaxed rules.
(With agency inputs)