Bhubaneswar, 06 November (H.S.): 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 incur any expenditure on gifts or related items.

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

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

Under the policy, government departments and offices are prohibited from spending public money on gifts and related items during Diwali and other festivals.

The latest directive follows a similar decision taken last year, when Odisha adopted the Centre's ‘No Gift Policy’ through a Finance Department communication issued on October 17, 2025.

The State Government has asked all departments, government offices and PSUs to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Union Government.

The initiative aims to curb avoidable expenditure of public funds on festive gifts and strengthen financial discipline across government institutions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda