KOHIMA, OCT 31 (DIPR): Vigilance Commissioner, Nagaland, Metongmeren Ao, IAS (Rtd) reminded that corruption undermines quality of public service and destroys the fabric of every institution. He called upon all sections of the society, especially public servants, to rededicate themselves towards fighting corruption and come forward and expose those found involved in corrupt practices. The Commissioner was speaking to a gathering at a programme marking the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week at Conference Hall of the Vigilance Commission October 31.
Metongmeren Ao, in his speech also highlighted how the State Vigilance Commission was created in April 1976 and how since then it has been fighting corruption at various levels of the Government. He enumerated some major achievements of the Commission including the unearthing of the Pension Scam, Pre-Retirement Consequential Benefit Scam, Police Pension Scam, House Building Advance Scam and the latest NPSC Scam.
Metongmeren regretted that corruption has become institutionalized and that there is an elaborate system surrounding it which has made the common man lose confidence in the government and makes him feel that only evil can combat evil resulting in an environment of blackmail and arm-twisting. Responsible citizens of the state have every right to demand transparency and accountability from public servants, the Commissioner reminded and called on all concerned to work for a corruption-free state so that the people can progress and develop.
The Vigilance Commissioner also released a souvenir of the department on the occasion. The function was attended by several senior officers and Deputy Commissioners of of districts who also participated in the programme by offering suggestion and sharing experiences in their areas.
The programme was chaired by Secretary Vigilance Commission, T Kiheto Sema who also gave the welcome address. Messages from the State Governor and Chief Minister were read out by SP Vigilance JI Yaden while the vote of thanks was offered by TDP Vigilance Commission, Hukato Swu.
