Early Times Report
DARHAL, Oct 27: Government Degree College Darhal observed Vigilance Awareness Week with great enthusiasm and commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public life. The event aimed to spread awareness among students and staff about the importance of vigilance, honesty, and anti-corruption practices for building a clean and responsible society. The entire college campus resonated with the spirit of ethical conduct and good governance as faculty and students gathered to discuss measures for ensuring a corruption-free India.
The program was organized under the guidance of Principal Prof. Zameer Ahmed Mirza, who appreciated the active participation of both students and faculty members. He emphasized that Vigilance Awareness Week serves as a strong reminder of every citizen's duty to remain alert and responsible in curbing corruption. He further said that such initiatives encourage young minds to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and social responsibility, which are essential for national progress. He also highlighted several crucial dimensions of corruption and the challenges in eradicating it. He pointed out that corruption is not only a moral failure but also a systemic issue rooted in weak institutional frameworks, lack of accountability, and misuse of public office for private gain. He discussed the economic cost of corruption, explaining how it hinders development, discourages investment, and diverts public funds from welfare programs to private interests.
The highlight of the event was an extensive and thought-provoking lecture delivered by Dr. Atta Ul Rehman Malik, Head of the Department of Political Science, on the theme "Corruption and Vigilance: Building an Honest and Transparent India." Dr. Malik spoke in detail about the different levels and forms of corruption-from petty corruption at the local level to grand corruption involving higher authorities and institutions. He elaborated on how corruption affects governance, development, and public trust, emphasizing the urgent need for collective vigilance and moral responsibility.
Dr. Malik discussed the institutional mechanisms and constitutional provisions established by the Government of India to combat corruption. He mentioned key institutions such as the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Lokpal and Lokayuktas, and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), explaining their vital roles in ensuring transparency and accountability. He also referred to important constitutional measures, including Article 311 (disciplinary control over public servants) and various anti-corruption laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Further, Dr. Malik shed light on the government's digital initiatives such as Digital India, e-Governance platforms, and online grievance redressal systems, which are helping to create transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric governance. He discussed how technology-driven reforms, including Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Public Financial Management System (PFMS), and MyGov platform, have minimized human interference, reduced corruption, and empowered citizens to hold authorities accountable. Emphasizing the importance of awareness, Dr. Malik urged students to remain vigilant and informed about various mechanisms available to report and prevent corruption. He encouraged them to take the Integrity Pledge and commit themselves to honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in their personal and professional lives. He concluded by reminding everyone that a vigilant citizenry is the strongest weapon against corruption, and the youth must take the lead in shaping a cleaner and more just society. |
