Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the importance of eradicating corruption and building a “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity” at the State-level Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, held at the Lok Seva Bhavan’s Convention Hall.
According to an official press release, attending the event as the chief guest Majhi administered a pledge to all to strongly oppose corruption at all levels.
Addressing officials and citizens, Majhi reiterated that corruption is a disease with long-term societal and individual consequences, likening it to diabetes. Citing a former Prime Minister’s statement on systemic inefficiency, he underscored the importance of transparency and vigilance at all levels.
Highlighting Odisha’s progress in tackling corruption, CM Majhi reported that the Vigilance Directorate’s conviction rate now exceeds 50%, with a conviction rate in disproportionate assets cases surpassing 80%.
The government, he said, is committed to strengthening the department’s capabilities, with 32 new positions—eight Additional SPs and 24 DSPs—approved to bolster investigative and prosecutorial functions. Sixteen Sub-Inspectors will also be appointed, supported by 24 Chartered Accountants, Banking and Cyber Experts. Additionally, the state will invest in technology, with 135 motorcycles, 150 new desktops and laptops, and a State Forensic Science Laboratory dedicated to the Vigilance Directorate.
Reflecting on the anti-corruption measures initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Majhi noted that the Central government’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme has substantially curbed leakage and ensured that aid reaches intended beneficiaries. He highlighted the urgency of a zero-tolerance policy at both central and state levels, cautioning that those guilty of corruption now face only two fates: “jail or exile.”
The state government’s approach, Majhi continued, combines top-down and bottom-up efforts, empowering District Magistrates to independently address corruption. This extensive campaign aims not only to prosecute corrupt officials but also to instill fear of consequence among potential offenders.
Majhi praised ASHA worker Shivani Mandal, who selflessly served her community during the cyclone, as an example of integrity in public service. Reflecting on the need for sustained efforts, he affirmed the government’s aim to rank Odisha among India’s top five states by 2029, aspiring to build a “Bikasita Odisha” by 2036.
The event honoured several departments and officers, including Koraput Vigilance Division as Best Vigilance Division and Bolangir Division as Best Unit.
Individual awards were presented to DSP Dushmant Kumar Nayak of Balasore Division for Best Investigating Officer and Sabitanjali Nayak of Berhampur Division for Best Female Investigating Officer. Bhubaneswar’s Hemant Kumar Swain received the award for Best Public Prosecutor.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stressed the need for systemic reforms and enhanced transparency to reduce corruption. He emphasized that Odisha’s journey toward good governance and a corruption-free administration will be pivotal in achieving a ‘Bikasita Odisha’ by 2036.
The Vigilance Awareness Week, themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” will run across the state from October 28 to November 3, aiming to unite citizens and officials in a shared commitment to integrity and anti-corruption.
While Director of Odisha Vigilance Directorate Yeshwant Kumar Jethwa gave the welcome speech at the event, Additional Director of Odisha Vigilance Directorate Asit Kumar Panigrahi proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was attended by Secretary-level officers of various departments, all District Magistrates, senior Police Officers, Vigilance Officers, former Senior Officers, and employees through virtual mode.
