Government employee gift limit | Acceptance of gift by Central government employees

Central Government employees can accept gifts worth up to Rs 5000

According to the regulations of the Central Government, employees are permitted to receive gifts with a maximum value of Rs 5000. This policy is designed to help ensure that gifts received by government employees do not influence or compromise their impartiality or integrity. However, any gifts with a value exceeding this limit must be reported and may not be retained by the employee. By setting this limit, the Central Government aims to maintain transparency and fairness in its operations.

The Department of Personnel and Training has recently issued a new office order on 6th August, 2019 that pertains to the acceptance of gifts by Government servants. The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 has been revised to address the issue of receiving gifts by Government servants and the changes are outlined in the table below.

Before Amendment	After Amendment
Sub-rule (3) of Rule 13 In any other case, a Government servant shall not accept any gift without the sanction of the Government, if the value exceeds – (i) rupees one thousand five hundred in the case of Government servants holding any Group ‘A’ or Group ‘B’ post; and (ii) rupees five hundred in the case of Government servant holding any Group `C’ or Group ‘D’ posts.	Sub-rule (3) of Rule 13 In any other case, a Government servant shall not accept any gift without the sanction of the Government, if the value exceeds – (i) rupees five thousand in the case of Government servants holding any Group ‘A’ or Group ‘B’ post: and (ii) rupees two thousand in the case of Government servant holding any Group `C’ post.
Sub-rule(4) of Rule 13 Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2) and (3), a Government servant, being a member of India delegation or otherwise, may receive and retain gifts from foreign dignitaries, if the market value of gifts received on one occasion does not exceed rupees one thousand. In all other cases, the acceptance and retention of such gift shall be regulated by the instructions issued by the Government in this regard from time to time.	Sub-rule(4) of Rule 13 Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2) and (3), a Government servant, being a member of the Indian delegation or otherwise, may receive and retain gifts from foreign dignitaries in accordance with the provisions of The Foreign Contribution (Acceptance or Retention of Gifts or Presentation) Rules, 2012, as amended from time to time.

View DoPT Order issued on 6.8.2019

What is the policy on acceptance of gifts by government servants?

Central government servants in India are permitted to accept gifts up to the value of Rs 5000 as per the Conduct Rules of the government.

Can government servants accept gifts from anyone?

Government servants are allowed to accept gifts only from close family members and friends. Gifts from someone who has participated in official dealings with a government servant are not allowed.

Is there any obligation to report gifts received by government servants?

Yes, as per the Conduct Rules, it is mandatory for government servants to report any gifts exceeding Rs 5000 in value to their respective department or authority.

Are there any consequences for not reporting gifts received by government servants?

Failure to report received gifts to the relevant authorities can lead to disciplinary action or even suspension of a government servant.

Can government servants return gifts that exceed the permissible limit?

Yes, government servants have the option of refusing to accept gifts that exceed the limits set by the Conduct Rules or returning the gifts to the sender.