Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: The Odisha Government has reiterated its ‘No Gift Policy’ for Diwali and other festive occasions, prohibiting all government departments, offices and public sector undertakings (PSUs) from spending public money on gifts and related items.

In a letter dated November 5, 2026, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, directed all departments to ensure strict compliance with the policy. The decision marks the second consecutive year of implementation of the no-gift directive in the state.

The communication, addressed to Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries and Secretaries of various departments, stated that the Odisha Government has decided to continue adopting the Office Memorandum issued by the Union Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, on September 19, 2025.

The Centre's directive prohibits Ministries, Departments and other organs of the Union Government from incurring expenditure on gifts and related items during Diwali and other festivals.

Following the Centre's decision, Odisha had initially introduced the policy last year through a Finance Department communication issued on October 17, 2025.

Reiterating the directive for 2026, the state government has asked all departments and PSUs to adhere to the instructions without exception.

The move is aimed at curbing unnecessary festive expenditure from public funds and promoting financial discipline and responsible use of government resources.

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