Bhubaneswar: This year, Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed from 30th October to 5th November, 2023 on the theme “Say no to corruption, commit to the nation”.
According to an official press release, the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week commenced in Odisha today with administration of integrity pledge by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a State level function organized at convention Centre, Lokseva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
In a unique way, the integrity pledge was administered by the Chief Minister through Odisha State Wide Network (OSWAN) to all district and block headquarters officials and through live telecast by the Information & Public Relations Department, Odisha to members of the public, students of schools and colleges, members of self-help groups, panchayats, Asha Karmies , AWWs.
This mass pledge is expected to further strengthen the extent of awareness on a corruption-free society at every level.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated Odisha Vigilance as it comes among the top performing anti-corruption agencies in the country as revealed by the latest statistics from the National Crime Record Bureau.
The Chief Minister also expressed happiness that during last year, Odisha vigilance continues detecting disproportionate assets against senior public functionaries.
He also urged the Vigilance Department to take steps for infusion of technology and expansion of the multi-disciplinary character by roping in more professionals with domain expertise to aid effective detection of benami transactions, money laundering, corruption through digital transactions, investments in newer financial instruments like crypto-currencies.
He also focused on Transparency of 5T Initiative undertaken by the Government with a view to achieve transformational goals in governance. He also appealed to the people of Odisha to renew their resolve to fight against corruption and usher in a corruption-free and a New Empowered Odisha.
Computer based investigation and prosecution management system and Vigilance Division office new buildings at Balasore and Rourkela inaugurated by the Chief Minister through Video Conferencing.
Chairman 5T & Nabin Odisha VK Pandian was present.
Chief Secretary, Odisha Pradeep Kumar Jena in his address said that implementing honesty and integrity in public life is already one of the main pillars of our State Policy. Odisha has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, he said.
Y K Jethwa, Director, Vigilance welcomed the guests.
It may be mentioned here that this year till date, Odisha Vigilance has registered 201 cases against 364 persons including 38 Group-A officers and 37 Group-B officers. Charge sheets have been filed in 198 cases against 486 persons including 42 Group-A and 31 Group-B officers, 87 cases have ended in conviction against 115 accused persons. As many as 27 public servants have been dismissed from service and pension of 14 retired Public Servants stopped following their conviction in vigilance cases.
Best Vigilance Division, Best Vigilance Unit, Best Investigating Officer (Men & Women) and best Public Prosecutor of the vigilance for the year,2022 were felicitated by the CM.
Sanjay Kumar, Kaushal, IG, Vigilance proposed vote of thanks.
