FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR: In alignment with the National Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 themed “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility,” the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday launched a week-long series of public and departmental outreach programmes across the Union Territory aimed at reinforcing the values of integrity, ethical governance, and collective responsibility in combating corruption.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a comprehensive awareness campaign that seeks to sensitize both government employees and the general public about their role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the system. The initiative, held under the constant guidance and supervision of Shri Shakti Kumar Pathak, IPS, Director ACB J&K, witnessed enthusiastic participation from district administrations, officials, and citizens across multiple districts.
The programmes were simultaneously launched at Revenue Training Institute Jammu, DC Offices of Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, and Rajouri in the Jammu Division, and at IMPA Srinagar, DC Offices of Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Town Hall Awantipora in the Kashmir Division.
As part of the inaugural events, the Bureau unveiled a documentary on ACB’s ongoing anti-corruption initiatives, showcasing efforts aimed at promoting institutional integrity, enhancing accountability, and encouraging citizen participation in eradicating corrupt practices. The film highlighted the necessity of public vigilance and the importance of collective ownership in strengthening transparency within governance systems.
Each district-level event followed a pre-scheduled programme jointly organized by ACB branches in coordination with the Revenue Department. Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from ACB branches delivered detailed presentations, underscoring that curbing corruption requires not just administrative mechanisms but also active public participation. The sessions reiterated that vigilance is not confined to enforcement agencies alone but is a shared societal duty.
To foster greater engagement, interactive sessions and digital outreach initiatives were held through mobile app platforms, allowing participants to respond to structured questionnaires and provide feedback on challenges faced in various service delivery systems. The initiative aimed at gathering real-time feedback to identify loopholes and enhance transparency in administrative operations.
In addition, awareness materials, including posters, pamphlets, and digital resources, were distributed to educate participants about reporting mechanisms such as the Satark Nagrik App and the ACB Helpline, encouraging citizens to report corrupt practices fearlessly and confidentially.
A symbolic highlight of the day was the Integrity Pledge Ceremony, administered by senior officials from both the District Administration and ACB at every district venue. The pledge reaffirmed participants’ commitment to uphold honesty, transparency, and fairness in the discharge of official duties. The integrity pledge was simultaneously taken at ACB Headquarters in Jammu and Srinagar offices.
Speaking at various venues, ACB officials emphasized that fostering a culture of integrity is essential for sustainable governance and urged all stakeholders — from public servants to ordinary citizens — to actively share the responsibility of maintaining vigilance in everyday administrative and civic dealings.
The events concluded with a vote of thanks extended by ACB representatives to the participating officers, employees, and members of the public for their enthusiastic involvement and continued cooperation in the Bureau’s mission to build a corruption-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The Vigilance Awareness Week will continue through various outreach activities and workshops across the Union Territory throughout the week, focusing on spreading awareness about ethical conduct, transparent governance, and citizen-driven accountability mechanisms.
