In order to improve India's ease of innovation, ease of conducting research, and ease of science, the Union Minister of Science & Technology announced significant policy changes

What is it?

‘Ease of Doing Research’ signifies the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles, facilitating quicker, more efficient, and independent research efforts within India’s academic and scientific establishments.

Essential Policy Introductions & Characteristics

Non-GeM Procurement Permitted: Research institutions are now able to circumvent the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for specialized scientific instruments, expediting the acquisition of unique devices not available on GeM.

Empowerment of Institutional Leaders: Directors and Vice-Chancellors now have the authority to sanction Global Tender Enquiries (GTEs) up to ₹200 crore, improving decision-making adaptability.

Improved Financial Limits:

Limit for direct purchases increased: ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh

Departmental committee purchase limit increased: ₹1–10 lakh to ₹2–25 lakh

Cap for limited/advertised tenders raised: ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore.

Decreased Delays in R&D: Reforms tackle significant concerns of researchers related to procurement hurdles, approval postponements, and sluggish exemption procedures.

Trust-Centric Governance Model: The reforms highlight reliance on scientific leadership along with responsibility to foster accountable independence in research funding.

Importance of the Reform:

Quicker Project Implementation: Decreased administrative hold-ups speed up scientific advancements.

Support for Startups & Scholars: Facilitates easier access to advanced tools and equipment, inspiring young creators.

Encourages R&D Investment: Indicates a policy landscape favorable for public and private R&D collaborations.

Advances NEP 2020 Objectives: Corresponds with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and student-driven exploration.

Creates a $100 Billion Science Economy: Seeks to emulate the achievements of space and nuclear liberalization in all areas of research.