GANDERBAL: In connection with the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW)-2024, observed to honour the legacy of first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Central University of Kashmir, organised an awareness programme on Wednesday that 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 Academic Affairs and Chief Vigilance Officer, highlighted the significance of VAW in acknowledging one of India’s stalwart freedom fighters Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and in fighting against ethical and moral corruption. Prof. Shahid Rasool noted that J & K, like other parts of the country, continues to be 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 personal ethics.
Afaq Ahmad, SHO, Kheer Bhawani, gave a perspective on 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 different sectors, including local businesses. “We focus on employers but often overlook corruption by shopkeepers and vendors,” he remarked.
Prof. Syed Zahoor Geelani, Dean School of Education, spoke about corruption within society and educational institutions, stressing that corrupt practices exist beyond financial transactions. “Wasting someone’s time or deceiving someone is also a form of corruption,” he stated. Prof. Geelani appealed to students to introspect on daily habits that may perpetuate corruption, and to teach youth about the impact of honesty, suggesting that change can start at a small scale and grow outwardly to influence wider society.
Zahoor Ahmad, SSP, Anti-Corruption Bureau, gave a detailed analysis of the whistleblower protections under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2014 and the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection to Persons Making the Disclosure Act (PIDPI). He emphasized the need for public integrity, stating, “Once you have integrity, you serve society.”
Prof. (Dr.) Farooq Ahmad Mir, Head & Dean School of Legal Studies, in his address, 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 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 Prof. and Legal Advisor and Assistant Prof. Dr. Samreen Gillani, proposed the vote of thanks.