PMC bans Diwali gifts for staff, tells security to stop gift boxes at the gate

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has barred its officers and employees from accepting any kind of gift this Diwali. Sweets, festive savouries and snacks, dry fruit, gift hampers, vouchers and cash all fall under the ban. The order has come into effect immediately.

Security staff have been told not to let anyone bringing such items enter the corporation's buildings. Those arriving with gift boxes to distribute are to be stopped at the gate. The security department has been told clearly not to allow such people into office premises.

The directive follows some videos on social media that appeared to show gifts being given to corporation officers and employees. City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar then issued a circular reminding staff of the rules on accepting gifts and warning of disciplinary action for violations.

According to the circular, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, suppliers, citizens and organisations often give gifts to corporation employees during Diwali. It says accepting them can weaken the impartiality, transparency, honesty and ethical conduct expected of government servants.

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

The ban is not limited to the PMC main building. During office hours the same rule will apply at departmental and ward offices, sub-offices and other premises occupied by the corporation. Sweets and festive food items cannot be accepted either.

The circular asks department heads to pass the directive on to their staff and ensure it is strictly followed. It also warns that employees found accepting gifts against these instructions will face action under the applicable service and conduct rules.