The Central Information Commission (CIC) on Wednesday recommended that distribution of sweets by civic bodies in here should be carried out on “national festivals in order to promote the cultural diversity in the nation” instead of restricting the practice to religious holidays.
In his order dated February 25, Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad said the details of order should also be marked to the Commissioners of the three municipal bodies. The CIC disposed of an appeal sought by appellant Subhash Chandra Agarwal regarding distribution of sweets and gifts on several festivals and occasions by the New Delhi Municipal Council.
Replying to an RTI application filed by the Delhi-based activist, the NDMC Health Department had responded in May 2014: “The NDMC has been distributing sweets to safai karamcharis on the occasion of Diwali. This year, the competent authorities in consultation with senior officers decided to distribute sweets to all the employees on the occasion of Holi.” It further added that in March 2014 sweets were procured at a total cost of Rs.91, 95,070 for distribution to all NDMC employees on the eve of Holi.
