Understanding GeM Procurement Rules: Recent Updates for Scientific Ministries and SCoGeM Guidelines
Key Takeaway for Central Government Employees: The government has introduced significant relaxations in procurement rules for scientific ministries and clarified the role of the Standing Committee on Government e-Marketplace (SCoGeM) in non-GeM purchases. These changes will streamline procurement processes while maintaining transparency and accountability.
What is SCoGeM and Why Does It Matter?
The Standing Committee on Government e-Marketplace (SCoGeM) is a crucial body established in each ministry or department to guide, coordinate, and review procurement activities on the GeM platform. According to the September 2017 notification, every ministry must form this committee with a specific structure:
SCoGeM Composition:
- Financial Advisor – Chairperson
- Joint Secretary (Admin) – Member
- Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA) – Member
- Procurement Division Members (if any)
- Major procurement agencies under the ministry
The committee must meet once every fortnight to address procurement issues, ensure timely payments, and submit reports to the ministry secretary.
Key Functions of SCoGeM
The committee has five primary responsibilities that directly impact day-to-day procurement activities:
- Product Identification: Identifying required products not currently available on GeM for listing
- Procurement Review: Monitoring all GeM procurements and payments, reporting issues to GeM SPV
- Payment Monitoring: Ensuring suppliers receive timely payments from ministry agencies
- Staff Training: Organizing regular training programs and interaction sessions with GeM officials
- Usage Monitoring: Ensuring all ministry offices use GeM efficiently and cost-effectively
When is SCoGeM Approval Required?
A critical clarification issued in February 2020 specified that SCoGeM approval is required only when an item is available on GeM but the ministry wants to purchase it outside GeM due to compelling circumstances. This means:
- No SCoGeM approval needed if the item is not available on GeM
- SCoGeM approval mandatory when bypassing GeM for items that are listed on the platform
- The decision must be justified with compelling reasons
Special Provisions for Scientific Ministries
The government has introduced significant relaxations for ten specific scientific ministries and departments, recognizing their unique procurement needs:
- Department of Science and Technology
- Department of Biotechnology
- Department of Scientific & Industrial Research
- Department of Atomic Energy
- Department of Space
- Ministry of Earth Sciences
- Defence Research & Development Organization
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Department of Health Research (DHR)
- Educational and Research Institutes conducting post-graduate/doctoral research
Enhanced Monetary Limits
The June 2025 update significantly increased procurement limits for scientific equipment and consumables:
| GFR Rule | Purpose | Previous Limit | New Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule 154 | Purchase without quotation | ₹1,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| Rule 155 | Purchase by committee | ₹1,00,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 - ₹25,00,000 |
| Rule 162 | Limited Tender Enquiry | Up to ₹50 lakh | Up to ₹1 crore |
| Rule 161 | Advertised Tender Enquiry | Above ₹50 lakh | Above ₹1 crore |
Special Authority for Research Organisations
Vice-Chancellors and Directors of scientific organizations now have enhanced powers:
- Non-GeM procurement permitted for scientific equipment and consumables
- Authority to approve Global Tender Enquiries up to ₹200 crore
- Direct approval without additional clearances for research-specific purchases
Recent Clarifications (October 2025)
The most recent update from October 6, 2025, provides important clarifications:
- Dual Approval System: Non-GeM procurement requires both SCoGeM recommendations AND Vice-Chancellor/Director approval
- Date Correction: Committee of Secretaries recommendations are dated May 20, 2025 (not April 22, 2025 as previously mentioned)
Practical Implications for Government Employees
For Procurement Officers:
- Understand when SCoGeM approval is mandatory
- Ensure proper documentation for non-GeM purchases
- Follow enhanced limits for scientific procurement
For Scientific Organizations:
- Leverage increased monetary limits for faster procurement
- Utilize non-GeM options with proper approvals
- Maintain detailed records for annual reporting
For Financial Advisors:
- Chair SCoGeM meetings regularly
- Monitor payment compliance
- Report progress monthly to Secretary (Expenditure)
Timeline of Changes
- September 2017: SCoGeM establishment notification
- February 2020: SCoGeM function clarification regarding Rule 149
- May 2024: Initial special provisions for scientific ministries
- June 2025: Enhanced monetary limits and expanded powers
- October 2025: Latest clarifications on approval procedures
Compliance Requirements
- Annual reporting of scientific procurements to administrative ministry
- Adherence to existing instructions from previous departmental OMs
- Proper justification for Global Tender Enquiries above standard limits
- Regular committee meetings and documentation
Looking Forward
These changes reflect the government's commitment to balancing procurement efficiency with accountability. The special provisions for scientific ministries acknowledge the unique requirements of research organizations while maintaining oversight mechanisms through SCoGeM. For central government employees, these updates mean more streamlined procurement processes, especially in scientific organizations, while emphasizing the importance of proper documentation and committee oversight in non-GeM purchases. The enhanced limits and simplified procedures should reduce administrative burden and enable faster procurement of essential scientific equipment and consumables, ultimately supporting India's research and development objectives.
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