CVC tells banks to hold anti-graft campaigns in rural areas

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked all public sector banks to hold anti-corruption campaigns in 'gram panchayats' to sensitise people in rural areas about the ill-effects of graft.

Besides them, all public sector undertakings have been tasked to create anti-corruption related awareness among school and college students.

It will be done as part of the vigilance awareness week, to be observed from October 31 to November 5, aimed at combating corruption.

The probity watchdog has also asked all central government organisations to use social, electronic and print media for spreading awareness.

"The Commission desires that special efforts may be made by each field unit, branch of every central public sector enterprise, public sector banks, organisation to organise activities in at least two schools and three colleges in every city or town," the CVC said in a directive issued to all the departments.
 

They have also been asked to organise 'awareness gram sabhas' in gram panchayats to sensitise citizens on ill-effects of corruption.

"This activity would largely be taken up by the public sector banks which will ask each of their branches to conduct such awareness gram sabhas in at least two gram panchayats. Similar sabhas or meetings could be organised at the district level also by the lead bank of the district," it said.

All government departments have also been asked to ensure participation of non-government organisations, corporates and public in vigilance awareness campaigns by conducting seminars, workshops, skits, street plays, walk and marathon, among others.

The CVC said combating corruption is not just a matter of making laws and creating institutions, but is deeply rooted in human values and morals of individuals and the fight against corruption cannot be won without citizens' support and participation.

The Commission has, therefore, chosen "public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating corruption" as the central theme for vigilance awareness week 2016.

"Corruption is a serious unethical practice that undermines trust and confidence in public officials which can only be gained by integrity in governance," the CVC said.

The directive said that economic and social progress, rule of law, democratic values and a strong civil society are some of the basic prerequisites in building an integrity system to sustain the fight against corruption in society.

"In order to attain a corruption-free society, all stake holders including government, citizens and also the private sector must share the responsibility for creation of awareness of corruption as well as refrain from indulging in unethical acts," the CVC said.