Modi Government Unveils Exciting Policy Reforms to Boost Research Environment in India
NEW DELHI, June 15 : In a significant move aimed at streamlining research environment in India, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today announced a set of policy reforms to enhance the "Ease of Innovation" and "Ease of Research", providing long-awaited relief to innovators, researchers scholars, scientists and institutions across the country.
In an address at The National Media Centre in the national capital, Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled decisions that will enable academic and research institutions to bypass some of the most cited hurdles in their day-to-day functioning-particularly around procurement delays and financial ceilings.
"These pathbreaking decisions could not have been possible without the personal indulgence and support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Dr. Jitendra Singh said, underlining the significance of the moves ahead of the upcoming elections.
The announcement follows extensive consultations led by the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office, drawing insights from 13 IITs and multiple research bodies across India.
One of the most consequential decisions announced is the delegation of procurement powers to institutional heads. Directors of scientific organisations and Vice Chancellors of universities will now be empowered to carry out non-GeM (Government e-Marketplace) purchases for specialized research equipment and materials.
"We have tried to do away with red tape-ism," Dr. Jitendra Singh said, placing trust in the science leaders of this country. "The message from the Modi Government is clear-we trust you, we value you and are committed to you."
Other key policies announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh include revising financial thresholds under the General Financial Rules (GFR). The ceiling for direct purchases has been doubled from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, while the range for purchases through departmental committees has been raised from Rs 1-10 lakh to Rs 2-25 lakh. Additionally, heads of institutions can now approve Global Tender Enquiries (GTEs) up to Rs 200 crore-previously a power reserved for central authorities.
The reforms respond directly to longstanding grievances from research scholars and faculty who often faced delays due to slow exemption processes and cumbersome procurement rules. The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, along with a presentation by the PSA’s office, had highlighted how rules originally intended to ensure transparency were inadvertently hampering scientific progress.
While these reforms offer greater flexibility, they are built on a foundation of trust and accountability, Dr. Jitendra Singh clarified. "There is an enormous responsibility that comes with this autonomy. We are relying on the integrity of the science community to ensure that this flexibility is used judiciously."
The alignment of these reforms with the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages interdisciplinary flexibility and student-led academic trajectories, has also been highlighted. "If we are allowing students to choose their learning paths, we must also enable the research ecosystem to support that ambition," he said.
With the Modi Government completing 11 years in office, the announcement is being seen as a reaffirmation of its focus on science, innovation, and youth-led development-core themes that Dr. Jitendra Singh said are "integral to India’s future global role."
The press conference was attended by a gathering of high-ranking officials from various fields, including scientists, senior officials of the respective departments and participation from institutions across the country.