Odisha Government Enforces ‘No Gift Policy’ to Promote Fiscal Discipline
Public funds barred from being used for gifts and festive expenses during Diwali and other festivals
Bhubaneswar : In a move to promote fiscal discipline and curb unnecessary expenditure, the Odisha government on Friday formally adopted the ‘No Gift Policy’, prohibiting the use of public funds for purchasing gifts, mementoes, sweets, or other items during festive occasions such as Diwali. The decision aligns with the directive issued by the Union Ministry of Finance earlier this year.
In an official communication to all departments, directorates, and public sector enterprises (PSUs), the Finance Department instructed strict adherence to the Ministry of Finance’s office memorandum dated September 19. The memorandum bars all ministries, government departments, and affiliated bodies from spending public money on gifts and similar items during Diwali and other festivals.
“In pursuance of the Ministry of Finance’s ‘No Gift Policy’, it is impressed upon all state government offices and PSUs that no expenditure shall be incurred on gifts and related items for Diwali and other festivals,” the Finance Department stated in its circular. The directive further advised all officials to ensure compliance and exercise prudence in public spending during festive periods.
According to senior officials, the decision aims to set a precedent for responsible governance and financial integrity across all administrative levels. It also seeks to curb the growing tendency of discretionary spending during festivals, which often leads to avoidable fiscal burdens on the state exchequer. The ‘No Gift Policy’ emphasizes that even small, symbolic expenses — such as sweets, mementoes, or decorative items — should be avoided if they involve public funds.
Officials have been instructed to ensure that government resources are used strictly for developmental purposes and essential administrative needs. Departments and PSUs have been warned that any violation of the directive will be viewed seriously and may attract administrative scrutiny.
Welcoming the policy, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida urged citizens and government officials to respect the spirit of the decision. In a social media post, she stated that no gifts or related items should be brought to her office and reiterated that the same rule applies to all government establishments and public sector enterprises. “As per the ‘No Gift Policy’, no exchange of gifts or related expenses will be made in any government office or PSU. I request everyone to kindly cooperate and uphold this standard of transparent governance,” she said.
Finance experts have lauded the move as a necessary step towards enhancing financial accountability and promoting an ethical work culture within the government. “It’s not just about saving money; it’s about setting an example of clean governance and responsible expenditure management,” said a senior economist familiar with the policy framework.
The Odisha government’s decision also aligns with broader efforts to promote transparency and efficiency within the public finance system. Over the past few years, both the central and state governments have implemented a series of fiscal reforms — including digital monitoring of expenditures, stricter budgetary controls, and guidelines for responsible public spending.
By enforcing the ‘No Gift Policy’, the state seeks to reinforce its commitment to fiscal prudence while discouraging practices that may foster informal obligations or misuse of public resources. Officials believe the move will strengthen public trust in governance and signal a shift toward a more accountable administrative culture.
As Diwali approaches, the policy serves as a reminder that the spirit of celebration should be reflected through service and integrity rather than material gestures funded by public money.
