Government Bans Diwali Gift
– Finance Ministry’s Expenditure Department Declares It Unnecessary
The Sunday Mail
New Delhi. The Expenditure Department of the Ministry of Finance has banned Diwali gifts in all ministries and departments. The department has declared them unnecessary expenditure. This order was issued with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance. Previously, this order was issued by Dr. Sumantra Pal, Economic Advisor to the Government of India, for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSUs).
On September 17, the Economic Advisor directed the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) to ban the practice of gift-giving on Diwali and other festivals in Central Public Sector Enterprises. Gift-giving increases government expenditure. The Economic Advisor stated that this step is necessary to ensure equitable use of public resources in the economy.
In a letter to the Chief Executive of the Department of Public Enterprises, the Economic Advisor to the Government of India stated that it has been observed that there is a practice of gift-giving on Diwali and other festivals in Central Public Sector Enterprises. To ensure equitable use of public resources in the economy, such practices must be stopped. Consequently, all central public sector enterprises have been urged to discontinue this practice and prohibit gift exchanges on any festival. The Economic Advisor has stated that these guidelines must be followed.
Two days later, the Secretary of the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance issued this order to all ministries and departments. Dr. Manjit Singh Patel, Chairman of the National Mission for Old Pension Scheme India, stated that this directive by the Ministry of Finance is incorrect. What harm is there if employees working in central public sector enterprises receive gifts on Diwali or other festivals? It’s a small token, but its value is immense. The employee feels recognized for their work. This small gift doubles their enthusiasm. The government has erred in issuing such an order. This is a step that demotivates employees.
