Gujarat’s New Software Procurement Policy Facing Pushback From Within ?

The state government’s move, intended to curb corruption, requires all computer-related software and hardware purchases to be routed through GIPL. However, according to insiders, it has begun to disrupt routine functioning. A new circular now requires departments to rename their purchase committees as IT committees and specifies that they procure only GIPL-approved software versions. Any deviation from this protocol is to be considered invalid.

This directive has left many government bodies in a difficult position. “Software needs vary widely across departments. Until now, our purchase committees issued tenders based on our specific requirements. Now, we are forced to buy software solely from GIPL, even if it doesn’t meet our needs,” said an official from a state-run corporation. “If the required software isn’t available, we must seek government approvals — a time-consuming process that disrupts operations.”

Echoing similar concerns, another official said, “We have to rely on GIPL even for minor purchases. Often, the required hardware or software isn’t available, forcing us to wait indefinitely. In some cases, we even resort to manual work, which hampers efficiency and slows down processes.”

As the state directive piles issues, many within the system are now calling for a return to the previous system, where departments, boards, and corporations had the autonomy to procure software based on their specific needs. “The government should reconsider and allow local-level procurement again,” urged an official.

With frustrations mounting and day-to-day operations taking a hit, stakeholders hope the Gujarat government will take a second look at its procurement policy and strike a better balance between accountability and efficiency.