The two organisations had conducted an informal survey on what they call ``the open secret about government officials in key positions receiving gifts and cash on Diwali''. Talking to reporters on Wednesday, their office-bearers alleged that industrialists, builders and vested interests used this opportunity to bribe government officials to protect their illegal works and activities.

``Between 25 to 45 per cent of purchases of new products introduced in the market before the annual festival is meant for government officials'', they alleged, claiming that between 45 and 70 per cent of mithai purchased in this period, too, went to government officials.

The `gift' items included television sets, refrigerators, home appliances, furniture, expensive toys, computers, electronic goods, gold and silver coins, and even hotel bookings and paid tours, VKU and ICS office-bearers alleged.

Urging the Anti-Corruption Bureau to determine if such gifts could be considered bribes, they alleged that even if industrialists pleaded recession to avoid paying bonus to their workers, they never failed to meet commitments made to government agencies. It was unfortunate that the practice of giving gifts was never questioned, Dr Maya Valecha of the ICS and Thakorbhai Shah of the VKU said. ``We're trying to make people understand that the practice is illegal. Ultimately, it is society that will have to pay for everything.''

Meanwhile, a member of the Employers' Association admitted that the practice was prevalent. Gifts were given to government officials to escape harassment, he said, alleging that industrialists who do not pay money or gifts before Diwali were discriminated against.