Articles / Conduct
Gift Rules for Central Government Employees: Rule 13 Limits
The Basic Rule
- You must not accept any gift, or let a family member or anyone acting for you accept one, except as Rule 13 allows (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(1), PDF p. 9).
- A "gift" includes free transport, boarding, lodging, other services or any other money advantage given by anyone other than a near relative or a personal friend having no official dealings with you (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(1), Explanation, PDF p. 9).
- A casual meal, lift or other social hospitality is not a gift (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13, Note (1), PDF p. 9).
- Avoid lavish or frequent hospitality from any person, firm or organisation having official dealings with you (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13, Note (2), PDF p. 9).
Weddings, Funerals and Religious Functions
On weddings, anniversaries, funerals or religious functions, you may accept gifts from near relatives or from personal friends having no official dealings with you, where this follows religious and social practice. You must report the gift to the Government if its value exceeds these limits (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(2), PDF p. 9):
| Your post | Report if gift value exceeds |
|---|---|
| Group A | Rs 25,000 (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(2)(i), PDF p. 9) |
| Group B | Rs 15,000 (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(2)(ii), PDF p. 9) |
| Group C | Rs 7,500 (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(2)(iii), PDF p. 9) |
All Other Gifts Need Sanction Above These Limits
In any other case, you cannot accept a gift without Government sanction if its value exceeds the limits below. These limits were set by the CCS (Conduct) Amendment Rules, 2019 (G.S.R. 531(E) dated 29.07.2019, rule 2(a), PDF p. 5).
| Your post | Sanction needed if gift value exceeds |
|---|---|
| Group A or Group B | Rs 5,000 (DoPT OM dated 06.08.2019, Rule 13(3)(i) as amended, PDF p. 1) |
| Group C | Rs 2,000 (DoPT OM dated 06.08.2019, Rule 13(3)(ii) as amended, PDF p. 1) |
The old limits of Rs 1,500 and Rs 500 that you may still see in older copies were replaced by this amendment (DoPT OM dated 06.08.2019, comparison table, PDF p. 1).
Foreign Gifts, Foreign Firms and Dowry
- Gifts from foreign dignitaries, whether you are part of an Indian delegation or otherwise, are governed by the Foreign Contribution (Acceptance or Retention of Gifts or Presentations) Rules, 2012 (G.S.R. 531(E) dated 29.07.2019, Rule 13(4) as substituted, PDF p. 5).
- You must not accept any gift from a foreign firm that is contracting with the Government of India, or with which you had, have or are likely to have official dealings (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(5), PDF p. 10).
- Gifts from any other firm follow the sanction limits in Rule 13(3) (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13(5), PDF p. 10).
- You must not give, take, abet or demand dowry (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13-A, PDF p. 10).
- You need previous sanction to receive any address or testimonial, or attend a meeting or entertainment held in your honour. A substantially private and informal farewell on retirement or transfer is allowed (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 14, PDF p. 10).
Where to Check
Read Rule 13 in the DoPT copy of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 13, PDF p. 9) together with the 2019 amendment (DoPT OM dated 06.08.2019, PDF p. 1). The library copy of the rules runs only to 31.12.2014, so ask your establishment section about any later change.
- Railways: these rules do not apply to railway servants (CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, Rule 1(3), proviso, PDF p. 2).
- KVS: the CCS (Conduct) Rules apply mutatis mutandis to KVS employees (KVS Education Code, Article 59, PDF p. 39). A teacher must not accept, or let family accept, any gift from a pupil, parent or anyone met through the Vidyalaya, except as Rule 13 allows (KVS Education Code, Article 59, item 29, PDF p. 41).
- NVS and Delhi Police: check with your establishment branch for any additional orders.
Related Questions
Is a free meal or a lift from someone a gift?
A casual meal, lift or other social hospitality is not treated as a gift. But you should avoid lavish or frequent hospitality from anyone with official dealings with you (Rule 13, Notes 1 and 2).
Do I have to report wedding gifts from my relatives?
Only if a gift's value exceeds Rs 25,000 for Group A, Rs 15,000 for Group B or Rs 7,500 for Group C. Gifts from friends are covered only if they have no official dealings with you (Rule 13(2)).
What is the limit for other gifts?
Since the 2019 amendment, you need Government sanction to accept any other gift worth more than Rs 5,000 (Group A or B) or Rs 2,000 (Group C) (Rule 13(3)).
Can my colleagues give me a farewell party?
Yes, if it is a substantially private and informal farewell on your retirement or transfer. Other meetings, addresses or testimonials in your honour need previous sanction (Rule 14).
Official Sources
- Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (as amended up to 31.12.2014) · Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India
- DoPT OM No. 11013/02/2019-Estt.A-III dated 06.08.2019 with G.S.R. 531(E) dated 29.07.2019: Amendment of Rule 13 (gifts), CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 · Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India
- Education Code for Kendriya Vidyalayas, 5th Edition (August 2006), Part 1 · Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
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This article explains the official rules as published; it is not legal advice. Check the cited document, and your own department's orders, before acting.