Vigilance Awareness Week campaign takes off in Rajouri

• DC stresses on maintaining transparency in governance

RAJOURI: A special programme was today organised at Dak Bungalow Rajouri to mark the commencement of Vigilance Awareness Week. The event was held under the supervision of SSP Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Rajouri-Poonch Range Mamta Sharma and Additional Deputy Commissioner (DVO) Chander Prakash.

The event began with a solemn Integrity Pledge administered by SSP ACB, with the officials reaffirming their commitment to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in public service.  

Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma was the Chief Guest. In his address, the DC appreciated the informative PowerPoint presentation and case studies presented at the workshop.

He emphasized the need to ensure transparency and accountability in the administrative setup, stating, “Trust of citizens in institutions is paramount. When corruption increases, trust disappears; and when corruption increases, the economy declines.” He further added that every government employee is accountable to the Constitution of India and must discharge his/ her duties with utmost honesty.

Speaking on the occasion, SSP ACB underscored the importance of integrity in day-to-day work. “Our conscience is watching us. We must address public issues sincerely so that citizens do not suffer,” She said and urged the officers to perform their duties with honesty, act as whistleblowers against corruption and engage in self-introspection to strengthen ethical governance.

ADC Chander Prakash stressed the need to eradicate corruption from all the society, adding that moral and social corruption are equally detrimental and must also be eliminated.

A detailed PowerPoint presentation on the unfair practices, particularly those noticed in the revenue department was presented by DySP ACB, Shamsher Singh. The session was followed by an interactive question and answer round, during which valuable suggestions were shared by members of the general public.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to uphold the principles of honesty, transparency and commitment to a corruption-free society. Prominent among those present were SE PWD Tilak Raj; ACD Mohammad Jahangir Khan; ACD Auail Naveed; Executive Engineer PWD Aftab Anwar; Executive Engineer Nowshera Sarwar Mehmood, besides BDOs, Tehsildars and other district and sectoral officers.