Haryana issues instructions to officials on gifts

The Haryana government on Friday instructed its officials not to accept expensive gifts from people and to report to authorities if they receive gifts worth Rs.25,000 and more.

The instructions come just days ahead of Diwali festival when officials receive gifts from various quarters.

"The Haryana government has reiterated the restrictions imposed on the acceptance of gifts by the IAS, IPS, IFS and other officers and employees on social and religious functions, including anniversaries, weddings and festivals, including mandatory reporting thereof to the government should the value of the gift exceed the prescribed limit," a state government spokesman said here on Friday.

A letter issued by the chief secretary to all administrative secretaries and senior officers clarified that an officer may accept gifts from his near relatives or friends having no official dealings on occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, funerals and religious functions when the gift is in conformity with the prevailing religious and social practice.

"But he shall report to the state government should the value of such gift exceed Rs.25,000," the spokesman said.

The term "gifts" includes free transport, board and lodging or any service or pecuniary advantage when provided by a person other than a near relative or personal friend having no official dealings with the member of the service, but does not include a casual meal, casual lift or other social hospitality, the letter said.

"No member of the service shall accept any gift without the sanction of the government if the value of the gift exceeds Rs.5,000. He/she shall avoid accepting lavish hospitality or frequent hospitality from persons having official dealings with them, or from industrial or commercial firms or other organisations," the letter added.