The Government of India has introduced major reforms to simplify the procurement process for scientific equipment and consumables used in research. As per the latest Office Memorandum (No.F.20/42/2021-PPD) from the Ministry of Finance, these amendments are aimed at accelerating India’s scientific innovation and research capabilities by easing procurement under the General Financial Rules (GFRs), 2017.
Who Can Avail These Special Provisions?
The following 10 scientific ministries/departments/institutions are eligible:
- Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR)
- Department of Atomic Energy
- Department of Space
- Ministry of Earth Sciences
- Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Department of Health Research (including ICMR)
- Educational & Research Institutions offering PG/PhD courses under any Ministry
What Are the Key Changes in GFRs?
1. Non-GeM Procurement Allowed: Vice-Chancellors and Directors can now procure scientific goods outside the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for research-related items.
2. Enhanced Financial Limits for Procurement: The limits under GFRs for research-specific purchases have been revised:
| Rule | Procurement Type | Previous Limit | Revised Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 154 | Direct purchase without quotation | ₹1,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| 155 | Purchase through Committee (Limited Tender) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 |
| 161 | Advertised Tender Enquiry | Up to ₹50 lakh | Up to ₹1 crore |
| 162 | Above limit (Open Tender) | Above ₹50 lakh | Above ₹1 crore |
3. Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) Upto ₹200 Crore: Under Rule 161(iv), VCs/Directors may directly approve GTEs up to ₹200 crore if justified for scientific research needs.
“These relaxations are applicable only for research-related procurements by the eligible scientific departments and not for general administrative purchases.”
Additional Instructions
- A complete list of such research-related procurements must be compiled annually and submitted to the respective Administrative Ministry.
- These relaxations must comply with other relevant Office Memorandums dated 04.05.2018, 08.01.2021, and 20.05.2024.
Why This Matters
This is a major win for the Indian research community. Simplifying procurement will:
- Accelerate project execution
- Reduce bureaucratic delays
- Encourage global procurement when needed
- Support India’s vision of becoming a global R&D powerhouse
With the 2025 amendments to the GFRs, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empower research ecosystems. These updated norms pave the way for quicker, more efficient, and globally competitive research environments across India’s premier scientific institutions.
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