GANDERBAL: The Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW)-2024, observed by the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) to honour the legacy of first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, Shri. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, culminated on Friday with the valedictory session and distribution of certificates among the winners of different events.
Addressing the valedictory function, Dean Academic Affairs and Chief Vigilance Officer, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said that to achieve the dream of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, it is crucial to address the root causes of corruption and work towards its eradication.
“Corruption-free India can channel its resources more effectively towards healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technological advancements, ensuring inclusive growth and improved quality of life for all citizens,” Prof. Shahid said. He said the higher educational institutions can contribute immensely by instilling moral and ethical values in young minds. “Students should be encouraged to uphold integrity and view corruption as detrimental to society’s well-being,” Prof. Shahid added.
In his presentation, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, Waseem Qadri highlighted various forms of corruption, from bribery and embezzlement to nepotism and fraud, affecting every sector of society. “Corruption is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic approach to address effectively. Through a combination of transparency, digitalization, robust institutions, protective laws, and ethical education, societies can work towards reducing corruption and fostering a culture of integrity,” Waseem Qadri said.
He said that when public systems are more responsive and less troublesome, people are less inclined to resort to corrupt practices to navigate them.
Executive Engineer, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Er. Aijaz Masood, in his address, underscored the need to sensitize the masses about the adverse effects of corruption on the families and loved ones of those indulging in it. “The families of corrupt persons suffer immensely and get socially ostracized, after they are trapped by the law enforcement agencies” he added.
Prosecuting Officer, ACB, John Mohammad in his address, said, civic responsibility initiatives, supported by the media and civil society, can foster a culture of accountability where citizens actively participate in combating corruption. He added that citizens also play a pivotal role in holding individuals and institutions accountable. “Reporting corruption is not merely an option; it is a civic duty that strengthens governance, promotes transparency, and builds a fair society.”
SHO/Trainer PTS Manigam, Mudasir Hamid in his speech, said the corruption weakens institutions, inflates costs, and hampers efficient governance, which directly impacts the quality of services and infrastructure available to citizens. “Corruption is a serious obstacle to progress. While laws and institutions play crucial roles in curbing corrupt practices, the responsibility to combat corruption does not rest on governments alone and the people have to come forward and report the corrupt practices to the concerned agencies, so that the culprits are booked,” he added.
The programme convenor and Legal Advisor, Dr. Mudasir Bhat, conducted the programme proceedings and said a corruption-free India is essential for realizing a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future where every citizen can thrive. Assistant Prof. Dr. Samreen Gillani, proposed the vote of thanks.