The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is the apex integrity institution with the mandate to fight corruption and to exercise general superintendence over vigilance administration of the organizations in respect of which the executive powers of Government of India extended. As per the directives of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Vigilance Awareness Week 2023 was observed from 30th October to 5th November, 2023 with the theme “Say no to Corruption; Commit to the Nation” in the Port.
In the pursuit of integrity and transparency and to promote the significance of vigilance in daily lives of the employees & general public; series of activities events, relevant to the theme, both within and outside the organization were organized from 30th October to 5th November 2023 under Vigilance Awareness Week. Chairman, NMPA kickstarted the vigilance awareness week in the Port, by administering the Integrity pledge to the employees on 30th October 2023. This was followed by signature campaign and presentation by the Chief Vigilance Officer, NMPA on “Identification and Implementation of Systemic Improvements” to the Senior Officers of the Port on 30th October 2023. On 02nd November 2023 a talk on “Importance of preventive vigilance in combating corruption” by Shri Vijaya Dat Kagita, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, Mormugao Port was organized for the port employees. Under public outreach program; Chairman, NMPA flagged off a walkathon on 03rd November 2023, where all employees came together to participate in high enthusiasm to spread the message of fight against corruption. Apart from this a sand art was arranged in Panambur beach depicting the anti-corruption awareness. In addition, various competitions with relevant themes, such as a writing slogan, essay writing etc. were organized among the school children studying in schools, in the port vicinity.
As part of public outreach stakeholders & vendors meet was also organized in the Port. Also, an online vigilance complaint portal was launched under preventive vigilance.
Finally, the valedictory function of the vigilance awareness week was organized on, 07th November 2023, in the BDC auditorium. Hon’ble Justice N. Santosh Hegde, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Ex -Lokayukta for Karnataka State was chief guest of the program. Dr. A.V. Ramana, Chairman, NMPA presided over the function & Dr. Subhash Chandra Khuntia, IAS (Retired) Ex – Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka was the Guest of Honour.
Shri Padmanabhacahar. K, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, NMPA welcomed the gathering. In this occasion Hon’ble Hon’ble Justice N. Santosh Hegde, former Judge inaugurated the online complaints portal of NMPA.
Chairman, NMPA during his presidential address emphasized on ethical living in current times as it hinders growth of the organization, state country, or a family. He called for inculcating fundamental values of ethical & moral living in the young kids as they are the backbone of the Nation. He added if the kids are taught the ethical way of living in tender age and when they grow up than there will not be any need of observing vigilance awareness week as by than every citizen will know what is their responsibility. He spoke about online vigilance complaint portal which was launched today under preventive vigilance initiative and on online/e- hindrance register being introduced to increase the transparency through Technology and to avoid malpractice in the Port.
Dr. Subhash Chandra Khuntia, IAS (Retired) Ex – Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, recalled that when there is less Corruption there will be better integrity in the Administration. He said people should be watchful, and it is not only the vigilance Department which needs to be watchful. But every wing has to be watchful of itself. So that things are done properly. And he emphasized on preventive vigilance, which is to create systems, SOP’s, clear policies and procedures. So that no wrong things occur, no person indulges in corruption or any kind of misdemeanor.
Hon’ble Justice N. Santosh Hegde, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India in his address stressed on corruption free society for the better future of the young kids studying in schools. He called for a society which boycotts dishonesty and respects honesty so that the younger generation gets safer tomorrow. He spoke about the cause for corruption in the current times which is greed in people. And called for eradicating greed and corruption from the hearts of young generation and pave way for corruption free nation.
After the speech of the dignitaries, a cultural program was organized for the present on anti-corruption. Prizes were distributed to students & employees of the Port who had participated in various competitions held during the vigilance awareness week in the port. This marked, the conclusion of the Vigilance Awareness Week in the Port.
