CUK organises awareness programme on Vigilance Awareness Week

Ganderbal, Oct 30: In connection with the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW), observed to honour the legacy of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) organiSed an awareness programme on Wednesday. The event saw participation from government officials, law enforcement officers, academicians, and students, all underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in curbing corruption.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Shahid Rasool, Dean of Academic Affairs and Chief Vigilance Officer, highlighted the significance of VAW in acknowledging one of India’s stalwart freedom fighters, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and in the fight against ethical and moral corruption. Prof. Rasool noted that J&K, like other parts of the country, continues to rank high on the corruption index. “This is a time for introspection,” he stated, urging citizens to practice vigilance not only in their professional lives but also in their personal ethics.

Afaq Ahmad, SHO of Kheer Bhawani, provided insight into the challenges faced by victims and citizens in registering complaints and FIRs. He underscored the importance of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and the need to address corruption not only in government offices but across various sectors, including local businesses. “We focus on employers but often overlook corruption by shopkeepers and vendors,” he remarked.

Prof Syed Zahoor Geelani, Dean of the School of Education, spoke about corruption within society and educational institutions, stressing that corrupt practices extend beyond financial transactions. “Wasting someone’s time or deceiving someone is also a form of corruption,” he stated.

Prof Geelani appealed to students to reflect on daily habits that may perpetuate corruption and to teach youth about the impact of honesty, suggesting that change can start on a small scale and grow outwardly to influence wider society.

Zahoor Ahmad, SSP of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, provided a detailed analysis of whistleblower protections under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2014 and the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection to Persons Making the Disclosure Act (PIDPI).

He emphasised the need for public integrity, stating, “Once you have integrity, you serve society.”

Prof. (Dr.) Farooq Ahmad Mir, Head and Dean of the School of Legal Studies, highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption and referenced global indices that show India’s standing in terms of corruption, hunger, and poverty. He expressed that while legal frameworks like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Right to Information (RTI) Act are instrumental, they need to be reinforced by personal moral principles. “Education and moral introspection must start within each of us,” he asserted, urging all attendees to act with integrity in both public and private lives.

The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Mudasir Bhat, Assistant Professor and Legal Advisor, while Assistant Professor Dr. Samreen Gillani proposed the vote of thanks.