JAMMU: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, organized an insightful awareness session today on "Understanding Fraud & Corruption and its Prevention" as part of the upcoming Vigilance Awareness Week 2024. The session, held at the Augstya Classroom,Jagti IIM Jammu Jagti Campus, was conducted by Shri Ritesh Kumar, Senior Audit Officer, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and presided over by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. The event was well attended by the IIM Jammu fraternity.
Vigilance Awareness Week is observed annually during the week in which the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31st October) falls. This year, the week will be observed from 28th October to 3rd November 2024 under the theme "Culture of Integrity for Nation's Prosperity."
The awareness session focused on the critical importance of fostering a culture of integrity to prevent fraud and corruption. Shri Ritesh Kumar, Senior Audit Officer, Comptroller, and Auditor General of India highlighted the severe economic and social consequences of fraud and corruption. He emphasized the critical role of fostering an integrity-driven environment within organizations to combat these issues effectively. He further shared valuable insights into practical mechanisms and strategies that individuals and organizations can implement to prevent corruption. He underscored the importance of strong internal controls, transparency in decision-making, and adherence to best practices in governance. Additionally, he stressed the management's responsibility in detecting fraud and errors and strengthening the internal control system.
The session also focused on the need for a comprehensive system to prevent, detect, respond to, and follow up on instances of fraud and corruption. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized IIM Jammu's commitment to fostering an environment of integrity and ethical conduct. He mentioned the need to establish transparent audit systems to prevent and eradicate scams and fraud. He highlighted that sessions like these are vital for shaping responsible future leaders who understand the importance of transparency and accountability in driving the nation's prosperity. He further noted that a morally driven work culture forms the foundation of strong governance.
The event commenced with a formal introduction of the Guest Speaker, Shri Ritesh Kumar, Senior Audit Officer, Comptroller, and Auditor General of India by Shri Shailesh. K. Lohiya, Chief Vigilance Officer, IIM Jammu. He provided an insightful overview of Vigilance Awareness Week, emphasizing the significance of observing this week to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public service.
Shri Shailesh. K. Lohiya, Chief Vigilance Officer, IIM Jammu, stressed the significance of such initiatives in promoting a culture of accountability and transparency within the institution and participation of all citizens to combat the threat posed by corruption. Present on the occasion were, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, Shri Nitin Upadhyay, Chairperson, MBA, Shri Rajat Jain, FA-CAO, IIM Jammu, Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu,along with other faculty, officers, and staff members of the Institute.
During the engaging session, several informative videos were showcased, adding a fun and dynamic twist to the important topics of vigilance, integrity, and fraud prevention. These creative visuals not only captured the audienceâs attention but also effectively reinforced the core message of Vigilance Awareness Week. Through relatable scenarios and humorous moments, the videos made it easier for attendees to grasp the serious subject of fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in an enjoyable, yet impactful way. The combination of insightful discussion and entertaining content kept the session both enlightening and memorable.
The session is part of a series of activities scheduled at IIM Jammu in observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of integrity and ethics across the IIM Jammu.