The Centre has warned its officers against receiving any award from any non-governmental organisation without prior approval, and also virtually banned any public interaction with NGOs.
In a letter to all departmental Secretaries, Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar said it had come to the government's notice that some officers were receiving awards from NGOs without prior approval. Such conduct would be treated as a violation of Conduct Rules and would attract the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules) 1972.
The Cabinet Secretary said, “I've been directed to caution you,” underlining that the order for issuing the warning had come from above — the Prime Minister's Office.
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Copies of the letter are now reaching all officers. The letter says accepting such awards in future without prior sanction would be “viewed adversely.”
Also an officer is not supposed to accept any complimentary or valedictory address, or accept any testimonial, or attend any meeting or entertainment held in his honour or in honour of any government servant.