Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week from October 27 to November 01, 2014

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

27-October-2014 15:04 IST

Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week from October 27 to November 01, 2014

This year’s theme is ‘Combating Corruption – Technology as an enabler’

The Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed this year from October 27, 2014 to November 01, 2014 and this year’s theme is “Combating Corruption – Technology as an enabler”. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) as the apex integrity institution of the country has been thriving to promote transparency, probity and integrity in public life. One of the outreach measures to promote these values in various Central Government offices and public sector undertakings is the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week every year wherein all the stakeholders are encouraged to fight corruption. The CVC believes that efficiency and objectivity in governance hold the key to eradication of corruption from public life and for this purpose it has to be ensured that transparent and fool proof systems and procedures are put in place which provide for appropriate accountability at every level of hierarchy in public administration.

Leveraging of technology in functioning of the Government and its organisations can address the challenges of corruption to a large extent. The adoption of technology initiatives can mitigate various factors which lead to corruption like lack of transparency, cumbersome procedures and delays in decision making. By re-engineering government processes, limiting discretion and enhancing accountability, departments / organisations can effectively bring about transparency and efficiency in the service delivery system which effects ordinary citizen the most. By using information technology, the process can become faster and to that extent, the scope of corruption can be reduced. The Commission has therefore, been advocating leveraging of technology by organisations to combat corruption.

On the occasion of Vigilance Awareness Week the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message observed - “Corruption is a complex problem that needs multi-faceted action. One of them is the use of technology that can help promote, openness and transparency. Use of modern technologies can play an important role in eliminating human interface in service delivery systems. It is the collective responsibility of citizens as well as government departments to adopt technology initiatives in combating corruption to maximize benefits”.

The Vice-President of India, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari in his message noted “Eradication of corruption from our society is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty of every Indian. Towards attainment of this goal, observance of Vigilance Awareness Week plays an important role in promoting integrity through greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in government”.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in his message on the occasion conveyed “It is needless to point out that integrity of public servants and transparency in public offices is utmost necessary in making transparent and efficient administration free of corruption. I appreciate the CVC’s outreach initiatives and endeavours to combat corruption with optimum use of technology. I call all government employees for making Vigilance Awareness Week a success and congratulate CVC on this occasion”.

Vigilance Awareness Week commenced in the CVC and all Ministries / Departments of the Central Govt., public sector undertakings, public sector banks, insurance companies, autonomous bodies and local authorities across the country today with a pledge by officers and employees at 1100 hrs. All officers and employees of the Government affirmed that they shall continuously strive to bring about integrity and transparency in all spheres of activities, work unstintingly for eradication of corruption, remain vigilant and work towards the growth and reputation of the organisation, and do their duty conscientiously and act without fear or favour.

Ministries / Departments / PSUs / Banks / and other Organisations would be conducting various outreach activities involving all stake holders during the week through seminars, workshops and lectures by prominent persons. In the schools and colleges across the country, debates, lectures, quiz competitions and such other activities for creation of awareness on corruption as well as anti-corruption measures to fight corruption are being organised during the week.