ACB J&K mobilises youth against corruption, holds youth parliaments in Jammu and Kishtwar

• Around 800 students, officials and faculty members participate in third-day outreach programmes under Vigilance Awareness Week 2026; resolutions adopted on recruitment transparency, education, senior citizens’ welfare and winter drinking-water supply

JAMMU/KISHTWAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday organised Youth Parliament sessions and vigilance awareness programmes in Jammu and Kishtwar as part of the third day of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, promoting integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct under the national theme, “Probity for Prosperity”.

The programmes brought together students, law interns, faculty members, government officers and officials, and representatives of educational institutions to deliberate on governance-related challenges, identify potential shortcomings in public service delivery, and propose measures to strengthen institutional accountability and eliminate corrupt practices.

The initiative reflects a focused effort by the ACB to engage young people in the fight against corruption by encouraging informed debate, civic participation and constructive recommendations for improving the functioning of government departments.

YOUTH-CENTRIC INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN TRANSPARENCY

A new concept of mass awareness, with particular emphasis on youth participation, was introduced by ACB Director Shakti Kumar Pathak, IPS, to expand public engagement with vigilance-related issues.

Under the initiative, interns from law colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, students from local colleges, and officers and officials of government departments are brought together at different locations to examine departmental functioning, identify shortcomings and loopholes, wherever present, and suggest practical measures to prevent corrupt practices.

The initiative also seeks to promote transparent, accountable and time-bound delivery of public services through informed discussion and institutional reform.

An online opinion poll forms an integral part of the programme, enabling participants to express their views on governance-related issues and contribute to the formulation of a final Youth Parliament resolution.

The Jammu and Kishtwar programmes provided platforms for participants to examine issues of public importance and reinforce the principle that integrity and accountability are essential to sustainable development and public confidence in government institutions.

JAMMU: YOUTH PARLIAMENT FOCUSES ON EDUCATION AND RECRUITMENT TRANSPARENCY

The Jammu programme was held at the Police Auditorium, Gulshan Ground, under the theme “Probity for Prosperity”, with a special focus on the Education Department and recruitment agencies.

The event was attended by Sh. S.K. Sharma, former Head and Dean of the Department of Law, University of Jammu, as the eminent guest. Professor Rajneesh Khajuria of the Law School, University of Jammu, and representatives of various educational institutions in Jammu also attended the programme.

The event witnessed participation from approximately 350 students and faculty members, 50 officers and officials from the concerned departments, and 40 officers and officials of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The programme commenced with the welcome and opening remarks of Dy. Superintendent of Police Kamal Sangra, ACB-Central, who welcomed the distinguished guests and participants and outlined the objectives of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026. He also highlighted the significance of the national theme and the importance of fostering integrity in public life.

Two key motions adopted after deliberations

The Youth Parliament session emerged as a major highlight of the Jammu programme, with 23 interns from the Law School participating in the proceedings alongside other members, including the Speaker.

The session familiarised students with parliamentary procedures and provided an opportunity to engage in constructive debate, articulate informed opinions and examine governance challenges through a democratic framework. It also encouraged critical thinking and a deeper understanding of public administration, democratic processes and citizen-oriented service delivery.

Two motions were taken up for deliberation:

1. “Jammu and Kashmir Recruitment, Examination Transparency and TRP Agency Regulation Bill, 2026”, relating to the Home Department.
2. “Effective Governance, Accountability and Transparency in Education”, relating to the Education Department.

Following detailed deliberations, both motions and their accompanying resolutions were put to a vote and passed by a majority.

The discussions underscored the collective responsibility of young citizens and public institutions to promote transparent and accountable recruitment processes while strengthening governance, responsibility and citizen-centric administration in the Education Department.

Interactive quiz engages 219 participants

To further reinforce awareness of vigilance, integrity and ethical conduct, an interactive Kahoot questionnaire and audience poll comprising 30 specially designed questions on education and recruitment processes was conducted.

Approximately 219 students and officials participated enthusiastically, making the exercise an engaging and interactive component of the programme.

The Youth Parliament proceedings and Kahoot session were moderated by Dy. SP Kamal Sangra, who facilitated the discussions and audience participation.

Experts underline ethical governance and public accountability

Guest speaker Sh. S.K. Sharma, former Head and Dean of the Department of Law, University of Jammu, drew upon his extensive professional experience to offer insights into improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government departments.

He emphasised the importance of ethical conduct, institutional accountability and an unwavering commitment to the principles of public service.

Delivering the concluding remarks, Shri Shivdeep Singh, JKPS, SSP, Police Station ACB Central, J&K, stressed that integrity, probity and ethical conduct must remain central to the functioning of government departments.

He underlined that sustained transparency, principled decision-making and a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption are indispensable to strengthening public trust, advancing good governance and achieving sustainable prosperity and inclusive development across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

At the conclusion of the programme, mementos and certificates of participation and appreciation were presented to participants by Sh. S.K. Sharma, Shri Shivdeep Singh and Professor Rajneesh Khajuria in recognition of their active involvement and contributions to the vigilance awareness initiative.

The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Shivdeep Singh, JKPS, SSP, Police Station ACB Central, J&K, who expressed gratitude to the Director, ACB J&K; the distinguished guests; participating educational institutions; departmental officers and officials; and students for their cooperation and contribution to the programme's success.

KISHTWAR: YOUTH DEBATE SENIOR CITIZENS’ WELFARE AND WINTER WATER SECURITY

A parallel Youth Parliament and Vigilance Awareness Session was organised at Government Degree College (GDC), Kishtwar, on October 29, 2026, under the same national theme, “Probity for Prosperity”.

The programme was organised under the supervision of SSP ACB Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR), Shri Vipan Chandran, with the participation of senior officers and officials of the ACB's DKR Range.

The event was graced by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Sharma, JKAS, as the Chief Guest, while SSP Kishtwar, Shri Sunny Gupta, IPS, attended as the Guest of Honour.

The Principal of GDC Kishtwar, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Kishtwar, faculty members, officers from various government departments and representatives of nearby educational institutions were also present.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 400 students representing various colleges across Kishtwar district, in addition to around 50 government officials, faculty members and ACB officers and officials.

Parliamentary deliberations address public concerns

The Youth Parliament session provided students with a platform to understand parliamentary procedures, constitutional principles, democratic responsibilities and lawful mechanisms for bringing about change.

Through constructive debate, participants examined issues of public importance, strengthened their critical-thinking skills and explored ways to advance responsible, transparent and citizen-centric governance.

Two motions were taken up for discussion:

1. “Protection of Neglected and Abandoned Senior Citizens in Jammu and Kashmir.”
2. “Ensuring Sustainable Drinking Water Supply under JJM during Winter.”

The deliberations focused on matters of direct public concern, including the protection and welfare of neglected and abandoned senior citizens and the need to ensure a sustainable drinking-water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) during the winter months.

Following detailed discussions, both motions and their accompanying resolutions were put to a vote and passed by a majority, reflecting the participants' commitment to addressing public concerns and promoting accountable governance.

Kahoot session reinforces vigilance awareness

An interactive Kahoot questionnaire and audience poll was also organised to strengthen awareness of integrity, vigilance and ethical public administration.

The questionnaire covered departmental functioning, anti-corruption measures, ethical values and principles of good governance. Students and officials participated enthusiastically, making the session informative, engaging and participatory.

The dignitaries and guest speakers shared their professional experiences and offered valuable insights into improving the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of government departments.

They emphasised that ethical conduct, institutional accountability and a strong commitment to public service are essential to ensuring responsive administration and strengthening citizens' confidence in government institutions.

SSP ACB DKR stresses zero tolerance towards corruption

In his concluding remarks, SSP ACB DKR, Shri Vipan Chandran, underscored the importance of integrity, probity and ethical conduct in public administration.

He emphasised that sustained transparency, principled decision-making and a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption are critical to strengthening public trust, promoting good governance and ensuring sustainable prosperity and inclusive development throughout the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

At the conclusion of the programme, mementos and certificates of participation and appreciation were presented to participants by Chief Guest Sh. Pankaj Sharma, JKAS, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar; Guest of Honour Shri Sunny Gupta, IPS, SSP Kishtwar; the Principal of GDC Kishtwar; and Shri Vipan Chandran, SSP ACB DKR, in recognition of their active participation and contribution to the initiative.

The formal vote of thanks expressed gratitude to the Director, ACB J&K; the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour; other distinguished guests; participating educational institutions; departmental officers and officials; and students for their valuable contributions to the successful conduct of the programme.

ACB REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE

The simultaneous programmes in Jammu and Kishtwar underscored the ACB's continued emphasis on preventive vigilance, public awareness and youth engagement as essential components of the broader effort to combat corruption.

By providing students and young professionals with opportunities to debate governance issues, examine public service delivery and formulate resolutions, the initiative seeks to cultivate a generation that understands its democratic responsibilities and recognises the importance of integrity in public life.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau, J&K, reiterated its commitment to conducting awareness and outreach programmes across educational institutions and government departments to foster a culture of honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability among young people and public servants throughout the Union Territory.

The observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 under the theme “Probity for Prosperity” reinforced the central message that ethical governance, institutional accountability and public participation are fundamental to building public trust and achieving sustainable and inclusive development.