Jitendra Singh announces 'Ease of Research' reforms: higher GFR purchase limits, non-GeM buying
On 15 June 2025 at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced reforms to enhance 'Ease of Innovation' and 'Ease of Doing Research'.
Summary
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, announced procurement and financial reforms for research institutions at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on 15 June 2025, after consultations led by the Principal Scientific Adviser's office with 13 IITs and research bodies. Directors of scientific organisations and Vice Chancellors can now make non-GeM (Government e-Marketplace) purchases of specialised research equipment. Under the revised General Financial Rules (GFR) thresholds, the direct-purchase ceiling doubles from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh, the departmental-committee range rises from ₹1–10 lakh to ₹2–25 lakh, and limited and advertised tender limits rise from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. Heads of institutions can also approve Global Tender Enquiries up to ₹200 crore.
Key facts
- Announced
- 15 June 2025, National Media Centre, New Delhi
- Consultation
- Led by PSA's office; 13 IITs
- Direct purchase
- ₹1 lakh → ₹2 lakh
- Committee purchase
- ₹1–10 lakh → ₹2–25 lakh
- Tender limits
- ₹50 lakh → ₹1 crore
- Global Tender Enquiries
- Institution heads can approve up to ₹200 crore
- GeM
- Non-GeM purchases allowed for specialised research items
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Under the research reforms announced on 15 June 2025, the ceiling for direct purchases under GFR was raised to what amount?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹2 lakh
PIB (S&T): the ceiling for direct purchases has been doubled from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
Under the 15 June 2025 reforms, heads of research institutions can approve Global Tender Enquiries up to what value?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹200 crore
PIB (S&T): heads of institutions can now approve Global Tender Enquiries (GTEs) up to ₹200 crore.
Consider the following statements about the 'Ease of Research' reforms of 15 June 2025: 1. Directors of scientific organisations and Vice Chancellors may make non-GeM purchases of specialised research equipment. 2. The limits for limited tender enquiries and advertised tenders were raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. 3. The consultations behind the reforms were led by the NITI Aayog. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (S&T): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the consultations were led by the Principal Scientific Adviser's office, drawing on 13 IITs. So the answer is 1 and 2 only.