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AIWBOA Raises Objection to Finance Ministry’s Ban on Diwali Gifts, Cites Unequal Treatment
The All India We Bankers Officers’ Association has formally protested the Finance Ministry’s ban on Diwali gifts, calling the decision unfair and urging reconsideration, especially in contrast to the Productivity Linked Bonus given to railway employees.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: September 25, 2025
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The Finance Ministry’s 19 September 2025 circular banning expenditure on Diwali gifts and mementos by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
Read More: Govt Bans Festival Gift Spending to Cut Costs — A Message Circulates
The circular has prompted strong objections from the All India We Bankers Officers’ Association (AIWBOA), which has called the move unfair and inconsistent, especially following the Union Cabinet’s approval of a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus for over 10.91 lakh railway employees.
Bank Officers’ Association Lodges Protest
The AIWBOA has lodged a formal protest, calling the move unfair to banking staff who, they say, have consistently supported government initiatives.
In a letter dated 23 September 2025 addressed to the Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Prabin Kr Biswas, National General Secretary of the AIWBOA, expressed “strong disagreement and objection” to the Finance Ministry’s order banning Diwali gifts and mementos.
Image: AIWBOA’s letter to DFS protesting the ban on Diwali gifts
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Bonus for Railways, None for Banks
Speaking to Kanal, Prabin Kr Biswas, National General Secretary of the AIWBOA, said “On 24 September 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved payment of a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus amounting to ₹1,865.68 crore to 10.91 lakh non-gazetted railway employees. This annual bonus is paid before Durga Puja and Dussehra as an incentive to motivate railway staff. This decision clearly reflects a dual policy – on one hand, railway employees are being given a bonus before the festival, while on the other, bank employees are being deprived of a basic token like a gift.”
He further added “This shows a clear double standard and an unfair approach towards bank employees.”
Image: Union Cabinet approves 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus for 10.91 lakh railway employees
The AIWBOA has highlighted the contrast in treatment between banking staff and railway employees, calling the Finance Ministry’s ban on Diwali gifts a clear example of unequal policy. The association has urged the government to reconsider the order to ensure fairness and recognition of contributions across PSBs.
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