Dr Jitendra announces major reforms for ‘Ease of Innovation’, ‘Ease of Research’

In a major policy shift aimed at streamlining the research environment in India, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Sunday 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.

- 

Addressing a press conference 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. Such pathbreaking decisions could not have been possible without the personal indulgence and support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.

The announcement follows extensive consultations led by the Principal Scientific Advisor’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-a departure from the existing rules which mandated GeM procurement even when suitable items were unavailable.