National News: Gram panchayats can purchase materials up to Rs 5 lakh without tender.

Gram panchayats are now officially permitted to procure necessary materials up to <b>Rs 5 lakh</b> per project without going through any tender process, according to recent reports. This updated policy aims to streamline local developmental works and speed up execution at the grassroots level by removing administrative hurdles for the local governing bodies. Further guidelines regarding the implementation and transparency measures for these direct purchases are expected to be issued by the concerned authorities soon.