Bhubaneswar: Sticking to its ‘No Gift Policy’ during Diwali and other festive occasions, the Odisha government has directed all offices and public sector undertakings (PSUs) to refrain from incurring any expenditure on these items.
In a communication to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries and Secretaries, the Finance Department has asked them to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
The state government said it has decided to adopt the ‘No Gift Policy’ prescribed by the Union Ministry of Finance for the current year as well.
As per the policy, no government department or office should spend public money on gifts or related items during Diwali and other festivals.
The directive follows a similar decision taken last year when Odisha adopted the Centre’s ‘No Gift Policy’ through a Finance Department communication.
This year also, all departments, government offices and PSUs have been asked to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Centre.
The move aims to prevent unnecessary public expenditure on festive gifts and promote financial discipline in government institutions.