Kathua: As part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday conducted a comprehensive sensitisation and awareness session with the theme “Day of Resolution for Freedom from Corruption.”
The event, held at the Auditorium Hall of Govt. Degree College for Women Kathua was graced by prominent officials including SP ACB Kulwant Singh Jasrotia, ADC KathuaRanjit Singh, SDM HiranagarRakesh Kumar, CMO Kathua, XEns besides other district and sectoral officers.
The session commenced with DySP ACB Sunny Gupta delivering an in-depth overview on the multifaceted nature of corruption. Gupta highlighted critical issues such as abuse of power for personal gain, nepotism, violation of service conduct rules, and the accumulation of disproportionate assets.
He elaborated on various types of corruption, including collusive and cohesive corruption, and discussed the root causes such as complex regulations, lack of transparency, and artificial scarcity. Gupta also addressed the consequences of corruption, which include economic distortions and deteriorating work culture.
Furthermore, he discussed recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act that offer immunity to public servants against frivolous complaints and the General Administration Department’s decision to not entertain anonymous or pseudonymous complaints.
DD Prosecution ACB also delivered a thought-provoking address, illustrating corruption’s pervasive nature through real-life examples. He cited instances of bribery in government offices, embezzlement of public funds. He also highlighted cases of fraudulent billings, manipulation of records and abuse of power for personal gain. Furthermore, he shared examples of collusive corruption wherein he emphasized how corruption undermines trust in institutions and affects the society.
In his address, the SP ACB Kulwant Singh Jasrotia urged all attendees to serve as vigilant allies in the fight against corruption. He emphasized the importance of embracing e-governance and technological reforms to enhance public service and adherence to ethical standards.
The session concluded with the administration of an Integrity Pledge, in which all participants committed to combating corruption and promoting transparency in their respective roles.
