ACB initiates outreach programme on Vigilance Awareness Week

Srinagar, Oct 28: The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) initiated an extensive outreach programme in connection with Vigilance Awareness Week.

The event began with sessions in Srinagar, with other districts of the Union Territory (UT) connected virtually. An integrity pledge was administered.

In alignment with the National Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, the Anti-Corruption Bureau J&K launched an extensive outreach programme. 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.

The launch event featured two sessions conducted at distinct venues. The morning session took place at the Institute of Management, Public Administration, and Rural Development (IMPA) in Srinagar, while the afternoon session was hosted from the conference hall of the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in Srinagar. Both sessions were interconnected virtually, reaching all district headquarters in Kashmir and Jammu to enable widespread participation.

The morning session, held from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, involved 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 Shakti Kumar Pathak, IPS, Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Jammu & Kashmir, who emphasized the importance of public engagement in eradicating corruption and promoting a transparent governance framework in the region.

A key highlight of the program was the launch of a documentary on the initiatives of the Anti-Corruption Bureau Jammu & Kashmir, illustrating its efforts and strategies for promoting accountability. Messages from prominent dignitaries, including LG Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Commissioner Secretary, Sanjeev Verma , and Director Anti-Corruption Bureau, Shakti Kumar Pathak were screened, reinforcing the importance of integrity in governance.

The event featured an interactive session utilizing a mobile app, where participants responded to targeted questions aimed at identifying challenges in service delivery by ULBs. This exercise provided valuable insights into areas needing improvement to ensure timely and efficient access to public services. Over 1,000 attendees participated in this interaction.

Distinguished speakers and Chief Guest Justice Tariq Nakashbandi, retired judge, along with Special Guest Iftikhar Ahmad, former Chief Town Planner, and Barakat Hussain, formerly Principal of REC Srinagar, delivered keynote addresses focusing on the necessity of interdepartmental coordination and collective efforts to combat corruption. Officials from the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Srinagar, including SSP ACB Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Wani (JKPS) and Executive Engineer Ajaz Masood ACB, 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 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 via the “Kahoot App” to gauge awareness and gather suggestions for improving anti-corruption initiatives.

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

Sandeep Wazir (AIG-IPS) and Abdul Waheed Shah (AIG-JKPS) of the Anti-Corruption Bureau urged participants and media representatives to continue supporting the initiatives of Vigilance Awareness Week and provide constructive feedback to inform future strategies. The pledge was led by Director Anti-Corruption Bureau, Shakti Kumar Pathak, followed by a vote of thanks from CPO, Khurshid Ahmad Sitari.

SSP Anti-Corruption Bureau Jammu's contribution was crucial in ensuring the program's success across the Jammu district, demonstrating the administration's commitment to fostering a culture of integrity in public service throughout Jammu & Kashmir.

Dr. Mudasir Tramboo, DySP of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, presided over the proceedings, guiding the day’s discussions and public engagements.

Special guests included, Mehraj-Din Shah (JKAS), Fozia Fatima (Principal GDC), Prof. Mohd. Ismail (Retired Principal), Prof. Abdul Rashid (Principal GDC), Gh. Mohammad Lone (Retired CEO), Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad (Principal GDC), Er. Braham Jyoti Sharma (Chief Engineer), Dr. Zakir Hussain (JKAS), Dr. S.M. Ashraf (JKAS), Dr. Ishrat Shakeel (Retired JD Animal Husbandry), Smt. Nusrat Hussain (Principal HSSB), Rafiq Ahmad (Retired DySP -VOK), and Sumaira Shamim.

Director Land Management, SDA, Gulzar Ahmad, Divisional Town Planner SDA/JCP SMC Srinagar Rouf Rehman, ADC Mohd. Rafiq Parray (Principal GHSS), Prof. Dr. Shafiq (Principal GDC), Dr. Shabaz Bodha (AC Nazool), Gulzar Ahmad (Secretary LCMA), and Mohd. Rafiq Parra (Principal GHSS) at various district locations contributed to the program's success, underscoring the administration's commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and accountability throughout Jammu & Kashmir.

Ashok Sharma, SP ACB Anantnag, along with his team, conducted an awareness programme at Government Degree College Pampore, which was attended by the staff and students of the college.