Tamil Nadu government departments have barred officials from collecting money from employees, contractors and others for Ayudha Puja celebrations in government offices this year, according to a report by Dinamalar. Department secretaries, directors and district collectors have reportedly been instructed to prevent such collections and allow only simple celebrations.
The reported order applies to government offices across the state, where Ayudha Puja is traditionally observed each year. Dinamalar reported that collections were commonly made from officials, employees and contractors, with some offices combining the contributions with arrangements for Diwali celebrations.
The funds were used for decorations and food distribution after the puja. Offices were reported to have been decorated with banana plants and coloured paper, while participants were given bags containing items such as puffed rice, roasted gram, coconut, apples, bananas, sweet lime and sweets. Some offices also distributed a gift item.
According to the report, any balance left after the celebrations was shared among office assistants and drivers. The practice has now come under scrutiny as part of the state government’s stated position against bribery, corruption and financial irregularities in public administration.
The reported direction places responsibility on senior departmental and district-level administrators. Department secretaries, directors and collectors have been asked to ensure that money is not collected for the celebrations. The report does not specify the value of collections made in previous years or provide details of a separate government order or circular.
The restriction is significant because contractors who do business with government departments are among those identified as potential contributors. A ban on collections would therefore separate a workplace religious observance from financial requests made to people who depend on government offices for contracts, approvals or administrative dealings. The supplied report does not state whether any complaints were filed against specific offices or individuals in connection with past collections.
The reported instructions do not prohibit Ayudha Puja itself. Instead, offices have been advised to observe it in a simple manner by breaking a pumpkin and coconut and placing flowers before images of deities. This allows the customary observance to continue while removing the collection and expenditure practices described in the report.
The move follows warnings that action would be taken against those involved in bribery, corruption and other irregularities. A WhatsApp number has also reportedly been issued for complaints related to such conduct. The next administrative step will be enforcement by department heads and district officials during this year’s Ayudha Puja celebrations.
