Corruption can be defined as fraudulent or dishonest conduct by a person for private gain or we can say that corruption is the misuse of entrusted power by marriage, heritage, appointment, education, election or whatever else. This global phenomenon affects all strata of society in some way or the other. This serious problem undermines economic growth, political development, democracy, people’s health and much more. It is the duty of every citizen to take steps for weeding out corruption. The various root causes of corruption are greed of money, early fulfilment of desires, market and political monopolization, low level of political transparency, inefficient administrative structures and low economic freedom.
Corruption can occur in public or private industry or even Non-Government Organizations (especially in the public sector). If we talk about the Government/ public sector corruption, it includes corruption of the political system and of government agencies such as the police as well as corruption in the processes of allocating public funds for contracts, grants, and recruitment.
Vigilance Awareness Week – 28 October to 02 November 2019
Every year, the week in which the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31st October) falls, The Central Vigilance Commission, the apex integrity institution of the country observes the Vigilance Awareness Week. The Commission advises all departments/ public sector banks/ societies/ autonomous organisations/ insurance companies/ ministries/ PSEs to celebrate the same week.
The celebration of Vigilance Awareness Week by CVC is a key strategy to motivate all stakeholders to collectively participate in the prevention of, and the fight against corruption and to bring public awareness regarding the existence, root causes and gravity of and the threat posed by corruption. In the year 2019, the Vigilance Awareness Week was observed from 28.10.2019 to 02.11.2019 with the theme “Integrity – A way of life. ”
The commission has requested all central government organisations and ministries to observe the Vigilance Awareness Week and conduct activities related to the theme both within their organization and outreach activities for public/ citizens. During this week, with the objective of spreading vigilance awareness among the employees, the various events conducted like pledge taking ceremony, a signature campaign against corruption, essay writing competition, poster making competition, quiz contest, slogan writing competition, debate competition and prize distribution. In pursuit of the Government’s vision to make India, a New India by the year 2022, various organisations like RVNL, Bank of Baroda, Department of Telecommunications, UGC, Indian Railways and various others celebrated Vigilance Awareness Week 2019.
Activities conducted within the organisation:
All departments and wings of organizations implemented effective steps to fight against corruption and enhanced transparency and accountability in their functioning.
I. The CVC planned Integrity Pledge by public servants in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)/ Ministries/ Departments/ Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and all other Organisations on 28th October, 2019 at 11.00 a.m. For upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and honesty the citizens and public servants took an e-pledge by visiting the website.
II. Used official web portal for passing valuable information to customers/ employees and provide a suitable platform for grievance handling.
III. Conducted debates and quiz for the public servants and their families on topics relating to anti-corruption.
IV. Shared and promoted the concept of e- integrity pledge by persons with whom organization deals.
V. Organised workshops/ seminars and senisitization programs for manpower and other stakeholders on organizational policies and procedures.
VI. Issued handouts/ pamphlets on anti-corruption activities and whistle blower mechanism.
VII. Released journals/ newsletters on matters related to vigilance and methods adopted for spreading awareness.
Outreach activities for Public/ Citizens:
I. Displayed catchy slogans on integrity posters, banners, hoardings and distributed handouts in prime locations, offices locality, field units and also in places with huge public gatherings (e.g. railway stations, airports, banks, petrol pumps).
II. Used social, electronic and print media for spreading awareness.
III. Conducted activities such as cyclathons, walkathons, marathons and organize street plays, public events to promote integrity and eradicate corruption.
IV. Organisations having customer oriented services/ activities arranged grievance redressal camps for citizens/customers.
V. To sensitise the public on the ill-effects of corruption, organised “Awareness Gram Sabhas” for the dissemination of awareness in Gram Panchayats (in rural and semi-urban areas).
VI. Establishment of ‘Integrity Clubs’ in schools and colleges to create awareness of the ill-effects of corruption in the minds of the younger generation.
These efforts will bear fruit and will help in the progress of our nation. You all are requested to come forward and join hands in adopting the theme – “Integrity – A way of life”.
Urge your near and dear ones to take the Integrity e – Pledge.
