ACB initiates outreach program to mark Vigilance Awareness Week celebration

Speakers necessitate of interdepartmental coordination, collective efforts to curb corruption

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 28: In alignment with observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 across the nation, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) J&K, initiated an extensive outreach program here today.

The week-long campaign, themed “CULTURE OF INTEGRITY FOR THE NATION’S PROSPERITY,” aims to enhance transparency, reinforce ethical governance and combat corruption across the Union Territory.

Today’s event featured two sessions conducted at distinct venues. The forenoon session was conducted at the Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPA), Srinagar, while the afternoon session was hosted at ULB office, Srinagar. Both the sessions were interconnected virtually, reaching all district headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir districts to enable widespread participation.

The forenoon session witnessed participation of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Development Authorities and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department. It was attended by the general public at the main venue and across district locations including Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Jammu.

The session commenced with an inaugural address by Director ACB, Shakti Kumar Pathak, who emphasized the significance of public engagement in eradicating corruption and promoting a transparent governance framework in Jammu & Kashmir.

A key highlight of the program was the launch of a documentary on Anti Corruption Bureau Jammu & Kashmir initiatives, illustrating its Anti Corruption efforts and strategies for promoting accountability.

Besides, messages from prominent dignitaries including Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Commissioner Secretary GAD, Sanjeev Verma and Director ACB were screened reinforcing the importance of integrity in governance.

The event featured an interactive session utilizing the mobile app, where participants responded to targeted questions aimed at identifying challenges in service delivery by ULBs. This exercise provided valuable insights into areas where improvements are needed to ensure timely and efficient access to public services. In this interaction more than 1000 attendees participated.

Distinguished speakers and chief guest, Justice Tariq Nakashbandi, retired judge and special guest, Iftikhar Ahmad, former Chief Town Planner, Barakat Hussain, Former Principal REC Srinagar, delivered keynote addresses, focusing on the necessity of interdepartmental coordination and collective efforts to combat corruption.

Officials from the Anti-corruption Bureau Srinagar, including SSP ACB, Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Wani and Executive Engineer ACB, Ajaz Masood, discussed measures to address corruption-prone areas and the role of investigative techniques in implementing corrective and penal measures effectively.

The afternoon session was dedicated to the employees of ULBs and associated departments, held at various connected venues including SMC, SDA, LCMA, HD, UEED, and I&FC headquarters. This session continued the interactive approach, soliciting feedback from participants through questionnaires vis “KAHOOT APP” to gauge awareness and gather suggestions for improving anti-corruption initiatives.

Both the sessions concluded with a pledge ceremony, where attendees committed towards actively combatting corruption and upholding ethical standards in public service.

Sandeep Wazir AIG and Abdul Waheed Shah, AIG of the ACB urged upon the participants and media representatives to continue supporting the Vigilance Awareness Week’s initiatives and provide constructive feedback to inform future strategies.