Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, will lead the administration of the integrity pledge, distributed by the Central Vigilance Commission, to government employees and individuals in public sector enterprises during an event scheduled at Lokseva Bhawan today at 11:00 am.
This year, Vigilance Awareness Week is observed from October 30 to November 5 under the theme "Say no to corruption; commit to the Nation."
The program will be broadcasted live by Odisha's I&PR Department, enabling countless members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and students across the state to take the pledge. Simultaneously, the Electronics & IT Department, Odisha, will link all Collectorate and Block offices in the state via video conferencing, allowing government officials to partake in the integrity pledge administered by the Chief Minister. The guest of honor at the event will be Odisha's Chief Secretary, PK Jena.
During the event, awards will be presented to the top Vigilance Division, Vigilance Unit, Investigating Officer, Woman Investigating Officer, and Public Prosecutor. Additionally, various competitions like debates, quizzes, cartoons, slogans, paintings, rangoli, and posters centered on the anti-corruption theme will be organized in schools and colleges in every district. The winners at the district level will receive their awards during district-level events, held by the respective divisions/units of Odisha Vigilance, as part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2023.
Throughout Vigilance Awareness Week, public gatherings will be held in each district headquarters, involving students, youth, academics, current and retired government officials, SHGs, NGOs, the civil society, public and private sector, media, and the general public. The goal is to heighten awareness of the dangers of corruption and gain the support of all stakeholders in the anti-corruption campaign. Banners and posters with ati-corruption themes will be exhibited at prominent public locations. Public rallies, walks, marathons, and other events will be held at different locations, involving students and various segments of society, to raise awareness about combating corruption and show solidarity in the fight against it.
Furthermore, "Awareness Gram Sabhas" will be conducted in rural areas, involving SHGs and members of Gram Panchayats, with the aim of increasing awareness and mobilizing people against corruption. During Awareness Week, Odisha Vigilance will actively utilize social media platforms, WhatsApp, email, electronic and print media to foster anti-corruption awareness among the public.
