Advertisement
UCO Bank Cancels Diwali Gifts While PNB Approves ₹2000 Distribution: PSB Staff Express Confusion
UCO Bank has withdrawn Diwali gifts after following the Finance Ministry’s directive. But Punjab National Bank continues its festive distribution, granting ₹2000 worth of sweets or dry fruits to every employee. The differing decisions have sparked confusion among Public Sector Bank staff.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: 3 hours ago
Advertisement
A contrast has emerged among Public Sector Banks (PSB) this festive season. While UCO Bank has called off Diwali gift distribution citing government restrictions, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has announced a ₹2000 distribution of sweets or dry fruits for each employee, creating a wave of confusion and debate within the banking fraternity.
Read more: ‘Govt Bans Festival Gift Spending to Cut Costs’ A Message Circulates
Read recent report on bankers’ reactions: Govt Restricts Diwali Gift Spending in CPSEs, Bankers Raise Concerns
Employees’ Reaction: Confusion Over Selective Restrictions
PSB employees’, requesting anonymity, expressed frustration over what he called an “unequal” application of the government’s guidelines.
He said, “The DFS letter says no expenditure should be incurred on Diwali gifts, but why is it applied only to PSBs? When departments like Railways and others distribute gifts, why does the restriction fall only on banks? Even after the directive, some banks are giving gifts while others are not. It’s very confusing.”
The remark reflects a broader sentiment among staff who feel demoralised by inconsistent festive policies across PSBs.
UCO Bank Cancels Diwali Gifts
In a circular dated 10 October 2025, UCO Bank’s General Manager referenced the Department of Financial Services (DFS) notification, advising that no expenditure should be made on Diwali gifts or related items.
Image: UCO Bank circular instructing branches to cancel Diwali gift expenditure as per DFS directive.
PNB Approves ₹2000 Festive Distribution
Meanwhile, PNB issued a circular on 9 October 2025, signed by the Chief General Manager, authorising a ₹2000 worth distribution of sweets, dry fruits, or chocolates to each employee. The circular described the gesture as an appreciation of employees’ dedication and festive spirit.
Image: PNB circular announcing ₹2000 worth of sweets or dry fruits for each employee on Diwali
Advertisement
Read more on PNB’s directive - ‘Punjab National Bank’s Thoughtful Deepawali Gesture for Employees’
Policy Gap Raises Questions
The contrasting approach of two major PSBs has raised questions on how DFS advisories are interpreted and implemented. Employees point out that while one bank strictly follows the directive, another extends festive benefits, leaving room for confusion and comparison within the sector.
UCO Bank and PNB’s differing responses to the DFS directive on Diwali gifts highlight the varied implementation of government guidelines across PSBs. While UCO Bank cancelled festive gifts in line with the advisory, PNB proceeded with a ₹2000 distribution for employees, creating a contrast that has drawn attention among bank staff.
No comments yet.