Centre Directs All Ministries To Stop Using Public Funds For Diwali And Festival Gifts

The Centre has directed all ministries and departments not to use public funds for Diwali or any other festival gifts, NDTV reported.

The Finance Ministry’s Department of Expenditure issued an order last week, reinforcing its policy of cutting non-essential expenditure.

Signed by Joint Secretary PK Singh, the notification underlined that such restrictions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure “prudent and judicious use of public resources.”

“The Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, has been issuing instructions from time to time aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and curbing non-essential expenditure. In continuation of these efforts…it has been decided that no expenditure shall be incurred on gifts and related items for Diwali and other festivals by Ministries/Departments and other organs of the Government of India,” the order stated.

The directive covers all ministries, government bodies, and officials, putting an end to the long-standing practice of exchanging gifts within departments or with senior functionaries during the festive season.

Officials pointed out that similar instructions had been issued earlier as part of the government’s austerity measures, but this time, the circular makes it clear that the order will apply strictly, beginning with Diwali this year, which falls on 20 October.

The move comes amid the government’s push to maintain fiscal discipline and prioritise essential spending, especially with rising welfare commitments and infrastructure outlays.

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