PMC bans Diwali gifts for staff, including sweets, dry fruits, vouchers and cash

Pune, November 4, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has barred its officials and employees from accepting Diwali gifts. The ban covers sweets, festival snacks, dry fruits, gift hampers, vouchers and cash. Security staff have also been told to stop anyone bringing such items from entering the premises.

The directive comes at a time when videos showing gifts being distributed to civic officials and employees are circulating on social media. City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar has issued a circular reminding staff of the rules on accepting gifts and warning that violations will invite disciplinary action.

According to the circular, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, suppliers, citizens and organisations often give gifts to civic officials and employees on Diwali. However, accepting such gifts can undermine the principles of impartiality, transparency, integrity and ethical conduct expected of public servants.

The PMC cited Rule 12 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and other service and conduct rules applicable to the corporation. On this basis, all officials and employees have been told not to accept any personal gift from any person or organisation.

The ban is not limited to the main PMC building. During office hours it will also apply at departmental and ward offices, sub-offices and other premises under the corporation's control. Gifts offered as sweets or festive food items cannot be accepted either.

The security department has been instructed not to let anyone carrying gift boxes for distribution enter the office premises. Heads of departments have also been asked to pass the directive on to staff under them and ensure strict compliance.

The circular warns that employees found accepting gifts in violation of these instructions will face disciplinary action under the applicable service and conduct rules. The instructions are to take effect immediately.