Finance Ministry Tells Central Government Entities to Follow ‘No-Festive-Gifts’ Policy | India News
The Finance Ministry has issued a new advisory ahead of the festive season. All Central government departments, PSUs, and affiliated bodies have been asked to strictly follow the ‘no-festive-gifts’ policy.
Why This Policy Matters
The government wants to ensure transparency and integrity in administration. Accepting or giving gifts during festivals can lead to conflicts of interest, misuse of position, or unfair practices. By reinforcing this rule, the ministry aims to protect public trust.
Who Must Follow the Rule?
The policy applies to:
-
Ministries and departments of the Central government
-
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
-
Autonomous and affiliated bodies
All employees, from senior officers to staff members, must follow the directive.
Focus on Ethics and Fairness
Officials have been reminded not to accept any gifts, hampers, or offerings from vendors, contractors, or private parties linked to their work. The Finance Ministry clarified that this is not a new rule but a reiteration for clarity during festive times.
Past Examples of Similar Advisories
This is not the first time the government has issued such a directive:
-
2023: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) also reminded officials to avoid accepting Diwali gifts, stressing that even small tokens could raise ethical concerns.
-
2021: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) circulated a similar advisory, directing officials to decline all forms of gifts during festive months.
-
Earlier Years: Different ministries, including Defence and Railways, have also circulated internal guidelines discouraging gift exchanges to avoid conflicts of interest.
These repeated advisories show the government’s consistent stand on transparency and clean governance.
Strengthening Ethical Governance
The Finance Ministry’s reminder aligns with India’s broader governance goals:
-
Promoting ethical administration
-
Curbing corruption risks
-
Building fairness and accountability in public service
Officials believe that stricter compliance this year will help set an example across all government entities.
❓ FAQs
1. What is the Finance Ministry’s ‘no-festive-gifts’ policy?
It’s a rule that bans Central government employees from giving or accepting festive gifts to maintain transparency and ethics.
2. Does the rule apply to all employees?
Yes, the directive applies to every employee across ministries, departments, PSUs, and affiliated bodies.
3. Why was the advisory issued now?
It was issued ahead of the festive season, when gifts are common, to prevent conflicts of interest and misuse of position.
4. Have such advisories been issued before?
Yes, similar advisories were issued in 2023, 2021, and earlier years by various government departments and the CVC.
5. How does this help the government?
It ensures fairness, strengthens anti-corruption efforts, and builds public trust in governance.
