Pune: No Sweets, Dry Fruits or Gift Vouchers: PMC Bans Diwali Gifts For Staff, Directs Security To Stop Hampers At Entry Gates
Pune, 4th November 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has barred its officers and employees from accepting Diwali gifts, including sweets, festive snacks, dry fruits, gift hampers, vouchers and cash, and directed security personnel to stop people carrying such items from entering its premises.
The directive comes amid videos circulating on social media showing gifts being distributed to civic officials and employees. City engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar issued a circular reminding staff of the rules governing the acceptance of gifts and warning that violations would invite disciplinary action.
The circular states that contractors, developers, architects, consultants, suppliers, citizens and organisations often offer gifts to civic officials and employees during Diwali. However, accepting such gifts could compromise the principles of impartiality, transparency, integrity and ethical conduct expected of public servants.
Citing Rule 12 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and other service and conduct rules applicable to the civic body, the PMC has directed all officers and employees not to accept any personal gifts from individuals or organisations.
The ban applies not only to the civic body’s main building but also to its departmental and ward offices, sub-offices and other premises under its control during office hours. Even gifts in the form of sweets or festive food items cannot be accepted.
The security department has been instructed not to allow people carrying gift boxes into office premises for distribution. Department heads have also been asked to bring the directive to the notice of their subordinate staff and ensure strict compliance.
The circular warns that employees found accepting gifts in violation of the instructions will face disciplinary action under the applicable service and conduct rules. The directions are to be implemented with immediate effect.
