Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has adopted a ‘No Gift Policy’ in its offices and state public sector undertakings during festive occasions.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said that the decision aligns with an office memorandum issued by the Union government. The state government has adopted the Centre’s ‘No Gift Policy’ during the ongoing festive season, she said.
Parida urged people not to bring any gifts to her office in keeping with the policy.
“During the festive season, based on the government of India’s ‘No Gift Policy,’ the state government has also adopted a similar policy. According to it, no government office or public sector undertaking will engage in the exchange of gifts or incur related expenses. I request everyone not to bring gifts to my office,” the Deputy CM said in a post on social media.
Notably, a notification issued by the Finance Department on Friday stated that “no expenditure shall be incurred on gifts and related items for Diwali and other festivals.”
All departments have been directed to strictly adhere to the guidelines mentioned in the government of India’s memorandum.
The move is in line with the Union government’s directive of September 19 aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and curbing non-essential expenditure. As per the Centre’s order, no ministry, department, or government body is permitted to spend public funds on gifts or related items during Diwali or other festive celebrations.
