In a firm move to maintain administrative integrity and curb wasteful expenditure, the Odisha Government has reiterated its strict implementation of the ‘No Gift Policy’ for the ongoing festive season, including Diwali.
The directive, issued directly by the Finance Department, explicitly prohibits all state offices, departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) from using public funds for purchasing or distributing gifts, hampers, or related festive tokens.
Enforcing Central Guidelines
The mandate was communicated in an official letter authored by Finance Department Principal Secretary Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra. Sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, and Secretaries, the communication emphasises full compliance across every tier of state administration.
The state first formally adopted the Union Ministry of Finance’s standardised guidelines on October 17, 2025. By renewing the notification for the current year, the state government underscores that festive austerity remains a permanent pillar of its fiscal management policy rather than a temporary measure.
Curbing Misuse of Public Funds
Historically, festive seasons often see substantial state funds allocated toward corporate-style gifting, greeting hampers, and executive presents distributed across departments and external entities.
The renewed ban targets this practice directly. Under the guidelines:
-
No public money may be drawn or allocated for festive presentations.
-
PSUs and state-run institutions are held to the same zero-tolerance standards as core government departments.
-
Departmental heads bear direct responsibility for enforcing compliance within their respective branches.
By eliminating discretionary spending on festive pleasantries, the government aims to reinforce financial accountability, ensure taxpayers’ money is directed purely toward public welfare, and project a standard of transparency across all public sector organisations in Odisha.
