Overview

• The June 5 circular lets vice-chancellors and research directors purchase scientific equipment and consumables up to ₹2 lakh without quotations or government e-marketplace approval.
• Purchase committees can now approve orders up to ₹25 lakh, doubled from the previous ₹10 lakh cap, to shorten procurement timelines.
• Financial thresholds for limited tender enquiries have risen to ₹1 crore and advertised tenders now apply only to purchases over that amount.
• Vice-chancellors and directors have been granted authority to initiate global tender enquiries for research equipment up to ₹200 crore without central ministry clearance.
• The amendments apply across science and technology departments and agencies such as CSIR, DRDO, ICMR and ICAR to strengthen research institutions’ autonomy.