The Central Government has relaxed financial norms to make it easier for science and technology institutions to purchase research equipment and materials. The amendments to the General Financial Rules (GFR) now allow Vice Chancellors and Directors of R&D institutions, including those in the defence sector, to procure scientific instruments and consumables up to ₹2 lakh without needing quotations double the earlier cap of ₹1 lakh.
Additionally, the limit for purchases via the Purchase Committee has been raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh. For procurement through limited or advertised tenders, the ceiling has been increased to ₹1 crore from ₹50 lakh. Importantly, VCs and Directors are now authorized to approve global tenders up to ₹200 crore for research-related purchases.
Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh called the changes a landmark step that will reduce bureaucratic delays, grant greater autonomy to institutions, and speed up innovation. The revised norms apply to departments and agencies under various ministries including science and technology, health research, atomic energy, space, and defence. Beneficiaries include the ICMR, DRDO, ICAR, and research-focused academic institutions.
