No More Diwali Gifts: Finance Ministry Directs Central Public Sector Enterprises to Stop Festive Gifts

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A small gift on holidays brings a smile to employees' faces and doubles their enthusiasm. But now, Dr. Sumantra Pal, Economic Advisor in the Union Finance Ministry, has written to the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), suggesting that the practice of giving gifts on Diwali and other festivals be banned in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSUs).

In a letter to the Chief Executive of the Department of Public Enterprises, the Economic Advisor stated, "It has been observed that Central Public Sector Enterprises have a practice of giving gifts on Diwali and other festivals. To ensure equitable use of public resources in the economy, this practice should be stopped." Consequently, all Central Public Sector Enterprises have been requested to stop this practice and stop exchanging gifts on any festival. The Economic Advisor has stated that these guidelines should be ensured. The tradition of gift-giving increases government expenditure and affects the equitable use of public resources. Therefore, CPSUs should stop such expenditures and completely stop exchanging gifts on festivals.

Reactions from Employees and Organizations

Dr. Manjit Singh Patel, President of the National Mission for Old Pension Scheme India, opposed this decision, saying, "Gifts given to employees on festivals are small tokens, but they have immense emotional value. This makes employees feel appreciated, and they work with more enthusiasm. This government move is wrong and will demotivate employees."

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) is under the Ministry of Finance and its mandate is to formulate policies, evaluate performance and issue management guidelines for CPSUs.