National Dental Commission issues advisory against accepting gifts from stakeholders

All officers and employees of the National Dental Commission (NDC) have been advised to maintain the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, transparency and probity in the discharge of their official duties. 

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has conveyed that the practice of Public Sector Undertakings, banks and other organisations presenting gifts to Government officials on festive occasions, such as Diwali, Christmas and New Year, should be discouraged. The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) circulated the said communication through the Office Memorandum cited above. The communication emphasizes that gifts should not be offered to public officials merely for performing their official duties. 

According to the advisory, no officer or employee shall solicit or accept gifts, presents, favours or other benefits from any individual, organisation, institution, company or entity having, or likely to have, official dealings with the Commission, except as permitted under the applicable conduct rules. Moreover, gifts offered on occasions such as Diwali, Christmas, New Year or other festivals by regulated entities, dental institutions, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers or other stakeholders shall be discouraged and shall not be accepted in contravention of applicable rules.

The advisory stresses strict avoidance of conflict of interest in all official work of the Commission, including recognition and assessment of dental institutions, inspections, permissions, registration, procurement, tenders, appointments and examinations. Officers and employees must not accept any gift or hospitality that could influence, or appear to influence, their official duties.

Officers must avoid lavish or inappropriate hospitality, complimentary services, travel, accommodation, or any other financial benefit from persons with whom they have official dealings, unless permitted under the rules and duly authorised.

The advisory further stated that all staff shall strictly comply with the Conduct Rules governing acceptance of gifts. Where any gift is received inadvertently or cannot reasonably be refused, the matter shall be reported promptly to the competent authority for appropriate directions, in accordance with the applicable rules.

Supervisory officers and Heads of Divisions must ensure all personnel under them are aware of and ensure strict compliance, the advisory added.

No officer or employee should use their official position to obtain any gift, favour or undue advantage for themselves or their family, and any doubt about accepting a gift must be referred to the competent authority before acceptance, wherever practicable.

The advisory shall be read in conjunction with the applicable conduct rules and other instructions issued by the Government of India from time to time.