No UP govt official can accept gifts, Yogi Adityanath’s latest diktat

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that no officials will accept any gifts from anyone. A circular to this effect has been issued by Additional Chief Secretary Mahesh Gupta.

The latest order follows the government’s warning to employees to report by 9am or face pay cuts.

According to the circular, no person will be allowed to enter the Sachivalaya (state assembly) and other buildings that house government offices with gifts of any kind, and government employees will not accept any gifts without prior permission of higher authorities.

The Chief Minister has also banned chewing of ‘gutka’ and paan’ in government offices. Those found chewing the same will have to pay a fine of Rs 500.

The order has, however, caused much flutter with a class 3 level government employee calling it “unfair”.

“IAS officers get gifts that are delivered to their homes while we get sweets etc. in office. If the Chief Minister is sincere in checking this practice, he should keep a check on the houses of officers where expensive items are delivered,” said the UP Chief Minister Adityanath.

Adityanath has also banned the entry of firearms in government buildings. Most legislators and contractors are seen entering government offices with their personal security guard in tow who carry rifles and pistols.

According to official sources said that security personnel will now be asked to deposit their firearms at the gate.

Gifts in the world of politics, has been an indirect bribe to the officers and stirred up much trouble amongst all sections.