Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 28: In a strong collective stance against corruption, various Departments and institutions across Jammu and Kashmir observed the start of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, engaging staff and officers in pledge-taking ceremonies to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability.
This annual initiative, themed “Culture of Integrity for the Nation’s Prosperity,” is organized by the Central Vigilance Commission to raise awareness about corruption and foster ethical governance practices.
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu announced the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week today.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, graced the occasion and led the IIM Jammu fraternity in taking the Integrity Pledge.
This pledge serves as a commitment to uphold the principles of integrity and to work towards fostering a culture of vigilance within the institution and beyond.
The Vigilance Awareness Week is observed every year to commemorate the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – the first Home Minister of the country.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in Jammu held its pledge ceremony under the leadership of Joint Director Information Jammu, Atul Gupta, who administered the integrity pledge to officers and staff.
Gupta highlighted the importance of Vigilance Awareness Week as a reminder of public service responsibilities, urging officials to embody honesty and transparency in daily duties.
As part of Vigilance Awareness Week, departments across Jammu and Kashmir will conduct workshops, seminars, and campaigns to spread awareness and reinforce public trust.
The week’s events serve as a powerful reminder of the commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and the continuous fight against corruption in the region.
The ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’, was today commenced at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu.
On the occasion, the staff members led by Director Dr Zabeer Ahmed, took an ‘Integrity Pledge’ to reinforce their commitment to upholding integrity, accountability, and transparency in their professional conduct.
At the Zonal Police Headquarters (ZPHQ) in Jammu, a ceremony marked the beginning of Vigilance Awareness Week, with police officers, personnel, and staff members pledging to uphold high standards of integrity in both professional and personal life.
SP Vishal Manhas, SO to ADGP Jammu, administered the pledge, urging participants to reject corrupt practices and work toward a transparent society.
Manhas emphasized the impact of corruption on democracy and encouraged law enforcement officers to lead by example.
In Srinagar, the primary event took place at Police Headquarters, where ADGP MK Sinha led the integrity pledge for the PHQ staff.
During the ceremony, all officers and personnel reaffirmed their commitment to uphold ethical standards, oppose corruption, and foster a culture of honesty.
Similar events were held in district, unit, and wing headquarters throughout Jammu and Kashmir, with local police heads administering the oath to officers and jawans.
The Subsidiary Training Centre (BSF) in Udhampur also observed Vigilance Awareness Week, with Inspector General Rajesh Kumar Gurung administering the integrity pledge to all officers, subordinate officers, and personnel.
Gurung urged the participants to carry forward the spirit of the pledge throughout their careers, reminding them of their responsibility to contribute to the nation’s development with honesty.
Vigilance Awareness Week, celebrated annually around the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was marked with various awareness activities to instil a sense of integrity and patriotism among public servants and citizens.
The Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy (SKPA) held a similar pledge ceremony at the main parade ground, where officers and trainees committed to combating corruption.
The event included discussions on the significance of Vigilance Awareness Week, highlighting the role of integrity in all aspects of life and the need for honesty in public service.
The Special Crime Wing (SCW) of the Crime Branch Jammu also marked the occasion with a pledge ceremony under the direction of SSP Sandeep Mehta.
During the event at the Zonal Crime Headquarters, officials vowed to eradicate corruption and uphold principles of transparency and good governance.
Mehta emphasized the detrimental effects of corruption on economic, political, and social progress and called for collaboration among Government agencies, citizens, and the private sector to eliminate corruption from all areas of society.
District Police in Kathua joined the observance with a central integrity pledge ceremony at the District Police Office, where Additional SP Rahul Charak administered the oath.
Police officers and personnel across sub-divisions, police stations, and posts also took part, committing to honesty, transparency, and the rejection of bribes.
The Traffic Range Jammu organized pledge ceremonies at its various traffic units and sub-divisions, with the main function held at the Range Traffic Police Headquarters in Narwal, Jammu.
DIG Dr Mohammad Haseeb Mughal administered the pledge, encouraging the staff to maintain high standards of integrity in service.
Mughal highlighted the role of vigilance in curbing corruption and emphasized the importance of taking responsibility and leading by example.
Other notable attendees included SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Vinay Kumar and Senior PO RTHQ Jammu Voonesh Sangotra.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of J&K launched its Vigilance Awareness Week activities with a large-scale outreach program, holding dual sessions across Jammu and Srinagar.
Director of ACB, Shakti Kumar Pathak, inaugurated the forenoon session at the Institute of Management, Public Administration, and Rural Development (IMPA) in Srinagar, with another session in the afternoon at the conference hall of ULB, Srinagar.
The sessions, attended by representatives from Urban Local Bodies, development authorities, and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department, connected virtually with district headquarters across Kashmir and Jammu.
Participants engaged through an interactive mobile app, allowing them to share insights on service delivery challenges.
The event also featured a documentary on the ACB’s efforts and messages from dignitaries like LG Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Commissioner Secretary Sanjeev Verma, reinforcing the importance of integrity.
Distinguished speakers, including retired Justice Tariq Nakashbandi and former Chief Town Planner Iftikhar Ahmad, spoke on the need for interdepartmental coordination in tackling corruption.
The sessions concluded with a pledge ceremony, where all attendees vowed to uphold ethical standards in public service.
The Excise Department held an Integrity Pledge Ceremony led by the Excise Commissioner, J&K UT, Subash C Chhibber, where officers reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and combating corruption in public service.
Chhibber emphasized the role of accountability in building public trust and highlighted the importance of ethical conduct in enhancing governance.
In Ramban, the Police Department, under SSP Kulbir Singh, administered the Integrity Pledge across all police posts, police stations, and District Police Lines.
SSP Singh stressed the need for law enforcement to lead by example in eradicating corruption and maintaining high standards of integrity and transparency.
As part of the Police Flag Day Week observance, the Ramban Police also organized a seminar on National Security at Government Higher Secondary School, Ramban, where students, staff, and police personnel participated.
Prizes were distributed to participants to encourage engagement.
Additionally, a cultural program was held at District Police Lines, Ramban, where school children showcased colorful performances in celebration of Ekta Diwas Day. The event concluded with prize distribution, reinforcing the week’s message of unity and integrity.
At Central University of Kashmir (CU Kashmir), during which Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath said that integrity is the cornerstone of a prosperous nation, particularly within the domain of public service.
“The concept of integrity transcends mere honesty; it encompasses transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ethical decision-making,” he said.
Jammu Airport launched Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, reaffirming its commitment to integrity and transparency in public service. On the occasion, an Integrity Pledge was administered by Officiating Airport Director, S.K. Kapahi.
Employees from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) participated enthusiastically, collectively affirming their dedication to ethical standards.
A pledge ceremony was held at Maulana Azad Memorial College, Jammu. The event, led by Principal Dr. B.B Anand, saw the participation of the college staff and students. The ceremony aimed to raise awareness about the importance of integrity, transparency, and anti-corruption practices in public life.
In connection with the celebration of Vigilance Awareness Week, the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports J&K UT organised an impressive function here today.
Director General, Youth Services & Sports J&K Rajinder Singh Tara administered an integrity pledge for eradication of corruption from public life to the employees of the Directorate of YS&S, Joint Director Office and District Youth Services and Sports Office Srinagar.
The Grievance redressal and vigilance committee of GGM Science College Jammu under the patronage of worthy Principal Dr. Ramesh Kumar Gupta commenced the Vigilance awareness week 2024 celebrations with pledge-taking ceremony by students and staff of college to create greater awareness about the importance of integrity in public life.
The Vigilance Awareness Week was today commenced at Government Degree College, R. S Pura. The Principal of the college Prof. (Dr.) Preetpal Kour and staff took the pledge of collective commitment to foster integrity and ethical conduct in both official capacities and personal lives.
Vigilance Awareness Week was also commenced at GDC Marheen.
On the 1st day of series of activities, an Integrity Pledge was taken by the faculty members and the students of the college. The programme was organized under the overall supervision of Prof. (Dr.) Anupama Gupta, esteemed Principal of the College.
She, in her address highlighted that every member of society should be vigilant and committed to highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Department of Commerce and Department of Punjabi of GCW Bhagwati Nagar also joined the nationwide observance of Vigilance Awareness Week, under the patronage of Dr. Meeru Abrol, Principal of the college.
The event, which aims to foster ethical practices and a commitment to integrity, commenced with the Integrity Pledge ceremony in which students, faculty, and staff participated.
The Integrity Pledge is a significant aspect of this year’s theme, highlighting the crucial role of integrity in personal development and nation-building.
Department of Commerce and NSS Unit (KHIDMAT) of GDC Vijaypur inaugurated Vigilance Awareness Week by participating in the online integrity pledge administered by Chief Minister J&K Omar Abdullah.
Principal of the college, Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Gupta along with all the faculty members, NSS volunteers and other college students participated in the pledge taking ceremony.
To observe Vigilance Awareness Week a pledge ceremony was also organized at GDC Kastigarh.
Principal of the college, Prof. Koushal Kumar Mangotra along with all the faculty members, volunteers and other college students participated in the pledge taking ceremony.
Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd (CVPPL) also observed Vigilance Awareness Week. Integrity Pledge was administered to all officials by Managing Director CVPPL, Ramesh Mukhiya.
During the Vigilance Awareness Week, several events shall be organised at Corporate Office – CVPPL and its projects to spread awareness about Vigilance. Events shall include Poem recitations, Speech, Quiz & Essay writing competition for the employees/ families and students.