This year, NIFT Gandhinagar observed Vigilance Awareness Week from 28th October to 3rd November 2024 under the theme “सत्यनिष्ठ की संस्कृति से राष्ट्र की समृद्धि - Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity.” The week highlighted the crucial connection between ethical conduct and the overall growth of our nation. Prosperity transcends mere wealth; it encompasses creating a society where trust, honesty, and transparency are fundamental values. NIFT Gandhinagar wholeheartedly celebrated Vigilance Awareness Week, engaging the entire community with various activities such as debate competitions, essay writing contests, poster making competitions, and an integrity pledge. Officers, faculty members, and students actively participated, demonstrating a collective commitment to fostering a culture of integrity.

The valedictory function of vigilance awareness week was conducted at NIFT Gandhinagar on 5th November 2024 at 11.00 am. The said event was an amalgamation of active discussion on Preventive Vigilance, Role of Technology in Vigilance, Cyber Crime, Digital Arrest etc. The event was presided by Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, Shri Mukesh Meena, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Mr. Kuldeep Malik, Inspector, CBI Gandhinagar and attended by the Officers, Faculty members and students of NIFT Gandhinagar Campus.

Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director of NIFT Gandhinagar, in his address, emphasized the fundamental duties of public servants and the significance of their roles in making the nation corruption-free, which is crucial for India to become a developed nation by 2047. Referring to policies from ancient India during the Maurya Empire (350-275 BCE) to curb corruption and establish public accountability, he cited Kautilya’s Arthashastra. This ancient text highlights concepts such as public accountability, rotation of duties, and the accountability of both active and passive corruption—principles that remain relevant today. Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood also expressed that, the mechanisms of good governance need to evolve on a continuous basis in which each one of us has a role to play in fostering this culture of integrity, which is essential for sustainable development. He also emphasised on the role of technology which has also played vital role to bring down the corruption ratio significantly.

Shri Mukesh Meena, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CBI Gandhinagar, briefed everyone on the role of the CBI and its crucial importance in combating corruption. He stressed that the involvement of citizens in corrupt practices highlights the tenacity of corruption and its ability to undermine administrative institutions from within. As responsible citizens, it is imperative that we all play a proactive role in curbing corruption and help strengthen the nation's foundations for continued growth. He also briefed all on the recent emerging fraudulent activities such like “digital arrest” through which fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials to intimidate and extort money from victims. They often claim the victim is involved in a criminal case and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest.

Mr. Kuldeep Malik, Inspector, CBI Gandhinagar delivered a session on the importance of Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informer (PIDPI) Resolution and Whistle Blowers Protection by Central Vigilance Commission of India and how these provides remedies to the citizen to raise their voice against corruption and report such incidents to the appropriate agencies for necessary actions. He explained the step by step process and how to report complaints and all appropriate agencies who deals in such matters. He also shared his knowledge on Cyber Crime and the proactive measure which one should always take to avoid such incidents.

The knowledge and information shared by all above dignitaries were very insightful and have revealed positive energy to all audience. The valedictory function of Vigilance Awareness Week was concluded with the prize distribution by the Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, Shri Mukesh Meena, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Mr. Kuldeep Malik, Inspector, CBI Gandhinagar to the winners of various competitions conducted.

AP/GP/JD

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