Overview

• The Department of Expenditure issued the order on Sept. 19 with approval from the Secretary (Expenditure) and the signature of Joint Secretary P. K. Singh.
• It bars any expenditure on gifts and related items for Diwali or other festivals by all ministries, departments and other organs of the Union government.
• The memo was sent to all secretaries and financial advisors and to the Departments of Public Enterprises and Financial Services with directions to reiterate it to CPSEs, public sector banks and financial institutions.
• The directive continues earlier internal spending controls such as the 2020 curb on printing calendars, diaries and greeting cards that was partially eased in 2022.
• Coverage highlights the timing alongside GST rate cuts branded “Bachat Utsav” to encourage festive-season consumption, underscoring external stimulus alongside internal restraint.