Printing of diaries and calendars for ministries, departments and PSUs to be centralised

The government has sought the diary and calendar printing requirements from the Reserve Bank of India, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and all public sector banks and insurance companies, according to a finance ministry letter on Friday.

A group of officers in the cabinet secretariat has decided that the printing and distribution of diaries and calendars of all ministries, departments and public sector undertakings will be centralised with the Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC).

The decision appears to be aimed at rationalising expenditure. The group also directed all ministries and departments to minimise the use of diaries and calendars and to switch over to their digital versions.


According to the decision of the group, chaired by secretary (coordination) VP Joy, the BOC may develop an electronic application of diaries and calendars for the government.

The ministries and departments were asked to submit their requirements to the BOC by August 20.

“These are to be provided only on need basis and the projected numbers may be rationalised before submission to BOC,” the group of officers said.

While the finance ministry asked for requirements of the items for 2021, the group directed the BOC to finish printing and distribution by the end of this year.

Earlier, institutions such as the RBI and the IRDAI were responsible for printing and distributing their own diaries and calendars.

While the move will streamline the process, it is yet to be seen whether the BOC will make customised diaries and calendars or common items.