Odisha Reiterates ‘No Gift Policy’ For Diwali, Bars Govt Offices From Festive Spending

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has reiterated its ‘No Gift Policy’ for Diwali and other festive occasions, directing all government departments, offices and public sector undertakings (PSUs) not to spend public money on gifts or related items.

The Finance Department has issued a communication to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries and Secretaries, directing them to ensure strict compliance with the policy.

In a letter issued by Finance Department Principal Secretary Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, the State Government said it would continue to follow the ‘No Gift Policy’ prescribed by the Union Finance Ministry for the current year.

The directive bars government offices and departments from incurring any expenditure on festive gifts and related items using public funds.

Odisha had adopted the Centre’s policy last year through a Finance Department communication issued on October 17, 2025.

The move aims to curb unnecessary festive expenditure from the public exchequer and promote financial discipline across government institutions.