Tripura Government Amends Financial Powers Rules, Streamlining Procurement and GeM Usage

The Government of Tripura, through its Finance Department, issued a significant notification on June 19, 2025, introducing the 'Delegation of Financial Powers (Eighth Amendment) Rules, Tripura, 2025'. These rules, which came into force upon their publication in the Official Gazette, further amend the existing Delegation of Financial Powers Rules, Tripura, 2019. The amendments were made in exercise of the powers conferred under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, reflecting a move to update and refine the state's financial administration and procurement mechanisms. The changes primarily focus on enhancing efficiency in government purchases, adjusting financial ceiling limits for various purchase committees, and integrating modern digital procurement platforms.

A key provision introduced by the amendment to Rule 22(1) allows Government Departments and Government Undertakings to procure goods up to a value of Rs. 50,000/- in each instance without the necessity of inviting quotations or bids. This streamlined process requires a certificate to be recorded by the competent authority, affirming due diligence in the purchase. The legislation provided: "I, ................. (name and designation of the authority), am personally satisfied that these goods purchased are of the requisite quality and specification and have been purchased from a reliable supplier at a reasonable rate." Furthermore, Rule 22(2) was substituted to revise the financial ceiling limits for different purchase committees. The Lower Purchase Committee is now authorized for procurements above Rs. 0.50 lakhs up to Rs. 20.00 lakhs, while the Higher Purchase Committee can handle transactions above Rs. 20.00 lakhs up to Rs. 10.00 crores. The Departmental Purchase Committee's limit was set at above Rs. 10.00 crores up to Rs. 100.00 crores for both goods/services/consultancy and works. For procurements exceeding Rs. 100.00 crores, the Supply Advisory Board and Works Advisory Board are designated for goods/services/consultancy and works, respectively.

The amendments also significantly integrate the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) into the state's procurement framework by inserting a new sub-rule (11) into Rule 22. This allows departments to make direct online purchases of materials and supplies from GeM suppliers without calling for tenders, subject to specific financial thresholds and conditions. For purchases up to Rs. 0.50 lakhs, any available GeM seller meeting quality and delivery requirements can be utilized. For amounts above Rs. 0.50 lakhs and up to Rs. 10.00 lakhs, the lowest-priced GeM seller among at least three different manufacturers must be chosen, with options for online bidding or reverse auction. Purchases exceeding Rs. 10.00 lakhs (with an exception for automobiles at Rs. 30.00 lakhs) mandate online bidding or reverse auction on GeM, with the rate recommended by a competent purchase committee. Additionally, Rule 31(17) was amended to clarify the authority for approving proforma bills for advance payments. Secretaries-In Charge of departments such as PWD, Health & Family Welfare, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Fisheries, and ARDD are now competent to approve advance payments to various Central and State Government organizations, PSUs, Cooperative Societies, and registered Societies. However, for advance payments to private entities, these departments must obtain prior concurrence from the Finance Department, a requirement that extends to all other departments under most circumstances. The rules also emphasize the need for departments to regularly monitor the drawal and adjustment position of such bills, ensuring fiscal accountability.

Keywords: Tripura, Financial Powers, Amendment Rules, Procurement, Government e-Marketplace, GeM, Public Finance, Delegation, Purchase Committees, Advance Payments

Geo Tags: Country: India, State: Tripura District: Not Applicable