‘Reporting corruption is a civic duty’

Ganderbal, Nov 1: The Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW), observed by the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) to honour the legacy of the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, culminated on Friday with a valedictory session and the distribution of certificates among the winners of various events.

Addressing the valedictory function, Dean of Academic Affairs and Chief Vigilance Officer Prof. Shahid Rasool emphasised 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. “A 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,” said Prof Shahid. He added that higher educational institutions can contribute significantly 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,” he further stated.

In his presentation, Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Waseem Qadri, highlighted various forms of corruption—including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and fraud—that affect every sector of society. “Corruption is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic approach for effective resolution. By combining transparency, digitalization, robust institutions, protective laws, and ethical education, societies can work towards reducing corruption and fostering a culture of integrity,” he remarked. He also noted that when public systems are more responsive and less cumbersome, people are less inclined to resort to corrupt practices to navigate them.

Executive Engineer of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Er Aijaz Masood, underscored the need to sensitise the public about the adverse effects of corruption on the families and loved ones of those involved in it. “The families of corrupt individuals suffer immensely and face social ostracism after they are entangled with law enforcement agencies,” he added.

Prosecuting Officer of the ACB, John Mohammad, stated that civic responsibility initiatives, supported by the media and civil society, can foster a culture of accountability where citizens actively participate in combating corruption. He stressed that citizens 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,” he said.

SHO/Trainer PTS Manigam, Mudasir Hamid, stated that 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 are crucial in curbing corrupt practices, the responsibility to combat corruption does not rest solely on governments. People must come forward and report corrupt practices to the relevant agencies so that the culprits can be prosecuted,” he added.

The programme convenor and Legal Advisor, Dr. Mudasir Bhat, conducted the proceedings and asserted that a corruption-free India is essential for realising a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future where every citizen can thrive. Assistant Professor Dr Samreen Gillani proposed the vote of thanks.