I am very happy to know that the State Vigilance Commission is observing the “Vigilance Awareness Week” from the 31st of October to 5th November, 2011. Corruption, which is mostly concerned with bribery, takes several forms and can be defined broadly as any abuse of power for personal gain. In philosophical, theological or moral parlance, corruption is spiritual or moral impurity or deviation from an ideal. In economy, corruption is payment for services or material which the recipient is not due under law. This may be called bribery. In our country, where our motto is “Satyameva Jayte” or “Truth Alone Triumphs”, it is very sad to see that corruption had become deeply entrenched in our society and the system.
Today, there is a decreasing trend in the number of public servants whose integrity the public can vouch for. On the other hand, the habit of greasing the palms of public servants to get favours, has increased to such an extent that it has become the norm rather than an exception. The Naga society in the past was known for its simplicity, hospitality, and most importantly, its honesty. I am made to understand that in the past our people did not use locks but only a piece of stick to keep animals from entering their houses. Today, this has completely changed.
The Vigilance Commission from its inception has been actively involved in tackling cases of corruption, frauds, etc in the functioning of the Government machinery. However, one should remember that it is not only the duty of the Commission to fight against corruption but it is the bounden duty of every citizen of the Country to ensure that the menace of corruption is removed from the system. The Legislature, particularly at the Centre, has introduced various laws to bring about transparency and to tackle corruption such as the Right to Information Act 2005 and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, and now the Parliament is in the process of passing as strong Lokpal Bill to combat corruption. This shows that the Government on its part is doing all that is possible to ensure a corruption - free Country. It will succeed in its endeavour if it gets public cooperation. The fight against corruption has to be a public - private partnership.
On this occasion of the observance of the Vigilance Awareness Week in the State, I call upon all sections of the society, especially public servants, to rededicate themselves to promoting transparency in the society and the system and enhance the level of awareness amongst all sections of the people, so as to strengthen our resolve to eradicate corruption.
Today, there is a decreasing trend in the number of public servants whose integrity the public can vouch for. On the other hand, the habit of greasing the palms of public servants to get favours, has increased to such an extent that it has become the norm rather than an exception. The Naga society in the past was known for its simplicity, hospitality, and most importantly, its honesty. I am made to understand that in the past our people did not use locks but only a piece of stick to keep animals from entering their houses. Today, this has completely changed.
The Vigilance Commission from its inception has been actively involved in tackling cases of corruption, frauds, etc in the functioning of the Government machinery. However, one should remember that it is not only the duty of the Commission to fight against corruption but it is the bounden duty of every citizen of the Country to ensure that the menace of corruption is removed from the system. The Legislature, particularly at the Centre, has introduced various laws to bring about transparency and to tackle corruption such as the Right to Information Act 2005 and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, and now the Parliament is in the process of passing as strong Lokpal Bill to combat corruption. This shows that the Government on its part is doing all that is possible to ensure a corruption - free Country. It will succeed in its endeavour if it gets public cooperation. The fight against corruption has to be a public - private partnership.
On this occasion of the observance of the Vigilance Awareness Week in the State, I call upon all sections of the society, especially public servants, to rededicate themselves to promoting transparency in the society and the system and enhance the level of awareness amongst all sections of the people, so as to strengthen our resolve to eradicate corruption.
(The above is the vigilance awareness week message of Governor of Nagaland)
