'Stop giving Diwali gifts': Finance Ministry issues order to all ministries and departments, advising them to avoid wasteful expenditure

The Union Finance Ministry has issued an important guideline to all the ministries, departments and institutions affiliated to the Central Government.

Festivals Gifts Ban: The Union Finance Ministry has issued an important guideline to all ministries, departments and institutions affiliated to the central government. It has been said that they should avoid wasteful expenditure and immediately stop the tradition of giving gifts on Diwali and other upcoming festivals. This order issued by the Expenditure Department of the Finance Ministry on September 19 states that this step has been taken to maintain fiscal discipline and prevent unnecessary expenditure. The government has clarified that public resources should be used thoughtfully and responsibly.

Therefore, this time no government office will spend money on purchasing, distributing, or distributing gifts or related items. This directive is effective immediately.

Ban on spending on Diwali and other festival gifts

Government Ministries and Departments are barred from spending on gifts for Diwali and other festivals. The Ministry of Finance issued an order promoting fiscal discipline and curbing non-essential spending, effective immediately.#Diwali@FinMinIndia @DFS_India @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/NSNvhH6ECq

— PSB Punch (@PSBPunch) September 23, 2025

Expenses have already been cut

It should be noted that over the past few years, the government has periodically issued orders to cut costs. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the government prohibited all departments and central undertakings from printing calendars, diaries, greeting cards, and coffee table books. However, calendars were allowed to be printed in December 2022.

Now, by once again banning the practice of gift-giving during festivals, the government has sent a clear message that public money should be used only for essential purposes.

Focus on 'GST Savings Festival'

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, wrote in a letter, "The tradition of buying gifts during festivals has been going on for a long time, but it is now necessary to stop it immediately." In this regard, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) were also previously instructed to avoid buying gifts during festivals.

The central government is currently focused on promoting a "GST Savings Festival" so that ordinary people can benefit from the reduced tax rate. Therefore, the decision to ban gifts is believed to be part of this thinking.

PC:Latestly