KOHIMA, OCTOBER 30 (DIPR): Nagaland Governor K. Shankaranarayanan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have both issued separate messages on the occasion of “Vigilance Awareness Week” observed every year from 31st October to 4th November in order to focus attention on the evil of corruption and its effects on governance and society. This week it may be mentioned is observed in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, freedom fighter, who was the first Home Minister of Independent India and who created the institutions for governance in the country. The State Vigilance Commission, Nagaland is observing Vigilance Awareness Week along with the rest of the country.
The Governor in his message pointed out that corruption was one of the basic impediments to growth and development and that in the last few years a lot of steps have been taken to control this menace. “However it keeps on appearing in various forms”, the Governor lamented while suggesting that government system has to create mechanisms and systems to deal with the corrupt and their corrupt practices more effectively. “This can be done by timely and effective action by the State Vigilance Commission with active support from all government departments”, the Governor stated adding that the community and society should also play a more proactive role in giving due recognition to the honest and condemnation for those following corrupt practices. “It should be realized that all acts of corruption other than the most common monetary forms, whether they include favouritism, nepotism or any other ism must be shunned and condemned”.
Pointing out that legislation, like Right to Information has ensured that all decisions of the Public Authority are now in the public domain and that the provisions of this Act should help government servants to resist undue pressures from all corners. The Governor also stated that members of the civil society should use the Right to Information Act more effectively so that corrupt practices are curtailed and also called on the media to play its due role.
On the occasion of the Vigilance Awareness Week the Governor called upon all to ensure that the basic ethics and values are inculcated in our day to day working in order that together we are able to create a better system of working and contribute to a better society.
The Chief Minister is his message expressed happiness that the Vigilance Commission, like in the past, has decided to observe the Vigilance Awareness Week with the rest of the country. On Patel, the first Union Home Minister of free India, Rio described him as an outstanding and that Patel’s blameless public life was a shining example to all citizens, especially those involved in the public service.
“Corruption damages and stultifies the character of people and the Nation”, Rio stated adding that as a Public Servant and as a citizen, one gets the maximum satisfaction in our work when we feel that we have done our work honesty and helped the people in need.
Praising the State Vigilance Commission, Rio stated that it had been acting as the conscience of the people through their relentless fight against corruption. “Their successes in combating various forms of corruption have created positive awareness in the mind of the public that crime does not pay in the long run”. The Chief Minister also noted that keeping with its tradition the State Vigilance Commission has been doing commendable job in many areas, and pointed out that the tempo must continue thereby bringing more and more awareness among the common citizens and Government Servants alike in the interest of public.
Rio expressed confidence that the Vigilance Week will create adequate awareness among the public and public servants about the degenerative effects of corrupt practices and the cost it entails to society. “There is a need to deal with the problem in all seriousness so that the benefits of development are enjoyed by all citizens in a fair and just manner”, Rio stated.
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