Corruption is often likened to a termite, slowly eating away at the foundations of a nation, turning it into an inefficient and morally compromised state. It is this menace that the Vigilance Awareness Week seeks to combat. This annual observance, mandated by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in New Delhi, has become a tradition at the Defence Accounts Department, Pune. In 2023, the Vigilance Awareness Week takes on a unique dimension, evolving into an Outreach Programme that runs from October 30th to November 5th, dedicated to creating awareness and fostering a commitment to integrity values and ethics in public life. The theme for this year is loud and clear: “SAY NO TO CORRUPTION; COMMIT TO THE NATION.”
The official inauguration of Vigilance Awareness Week occurred in the vicinity of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Office of Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, (Army), Pune. Esteemed officials and dedicated staff members gathered to demonstrate their unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity values and ethics.
The solemn Pledge (Oath) was recited in both Hindi and English by Madhu Gandhi, SAO, and Ravi Kumar, SAO, respectively. This symbolic act represents the commitment to observe honesty, integrity, and transparency, not just in their professional roles but in their personal lives as well.
Addressing the assembly, Dr. Rajeev Chavan, IDAS, ndc, PCDA(Army) Pune, underlined the paramount significance of vigilance in cultivating a corruption-free society. He emphasized the necessity for collective efforts in eradicating corruption and promoting ethical behavior in every aspect of life. Dr. Rajeev Chavan highlighted the pivotal role of vigilance in the construction of a robust, vibrant, and progressive nation. He urged everyone to remain vigilant, not just during this week but throughout the year, encouraging employees to report any unethical practices to the appropriate authorities. Dr. Chavan aptly concluded his address with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “We had enough for everyone’s need but we cannot satisfy their greed.”
Vigilance Awareness Week is a government initiative aimed at promoting probity, integrity, transparency, and accountability in public administration. PCDA(Army), Pune, has proactively organized various awareness programs, including debate competitions, essay competitions, workshops, and interactive sessions on Vigilance Awareness throughout the week. Special events, such as a Talk Show featuring eminent speakers, a dedicated day for cybersecurity, and a panel discussion on Preventive Administrative Vigilance, are part of the week’s activities. The event will culminate on November 5, 2023, with the launch of the VIGILANCE magazine, a first of its kind in PCDA(Army) Pune.
The event was skillfully hosted by Suhana Arief, AAO, and attended by distinguished officials, including Vikram Rajapure, DCDA, S.R. Boid, IDAS, DCDA, Swapnil Hanmane, IDAS, ACDA, R.K. Bindroo, IDAS, ACDA, Venkat Rao, IDAS, ACDA, Vaishali D’souza, IDAS, ACDA, Ravi Kumar, SAO, K.P. Singh, SAO, and all other officers and staff of PCDA(Army) Pune.
