New Toshakhana policy.

AFTER publishing details of Toshakhana on the website of the Cabinet Division, the Government has announced a new Toshakhana Policy that has the potential to address all controversies on the issue in future. Abolishes the previous rules which allowed the government functionaries to retain any gift by paying 50% of the price assessed. Now any gift exceeding US$ 300 shall straightaway become Toshakhana property. Gifts valued up to US$ 300 shall be allowed to retain by the recipient without any discount on the payment of assessed market value. This exemption shall however not be available in the case of antiques and gifts of intrinsic historical value. All such gifts shall be properly catalogued and displayed at prominent buildings owned by the government.

The new policy reflects aspirations of the people about transparency in handling of the gifts received by senior leaders and functionaries from foreign governments and dignitaries. There was logical thinking that gifts are offered not to leaders/officials in their personal capacity but by virtue of the offices and positions...