ACB, NZATI organise workshop

Jammu, Oct 30: The Northern Zonal Accountancy Training Institute (NZATI), Muthi, Jammu, in collaboration with the Directorate of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K, hosted a significant workshop on Preventive Vigilance here today under the aegis of Vigilance Awareness Week, 2024.

The workshop, centered on the theme “Culture of Integrity for Nations’ Prosperity”, brought together key officials and stakeholders from various government departments.

Vikas Gupta, Deputy Inspector General of Anti-Corruption Bureau, Jammu graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Distinguished attendees included Rajesh Kotwal, Director, Accounts & Treasuries, Jammu; Irshad Ahmed, Deputy Director Prosecution ACB Headquarters and Amit Mahajan, Deputy Director, Audit & Inspections, Jammu.

Bharti Sambyal, Director Finance and Principal, NZATI, Jammu extended a warm welcome to the delegates and set the tone for the proceedings with her opening address.

During the workshop, Irshad Ahmed delivered an insightful presentation highlighting corruption’s detrimental impact on organizations. Through detailed case studies, he emphasized the critical importance of maintaining financial propriety and ethical office practices.

Ela Chowdhary, FA/CAO offered a unique perspective on corruption’s psychological dimensions, examining how it becomes institutionalized through various mechanisms including self-justification, misguided concepts like “Robinhood Corruption,” and collective emotional responses.

In the keynote address, DIG ACB, Vikas Gupta invoked the principles of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel while discussing the imperative of raising public awareness about corruption, particularly within the public sector.

He stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and advocated for strengthening the role of Departmental Vigilance Officers as primary ombudsmen within government offices. The DIG particularly emphasized the crucial role of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) in maintaining internal checks and ensuring accountability.