With an aim to root-out corruption from the state as mandated by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Mr. Varinder Kumar, Special DGP-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau, directed field officials of the Bureau to ensure the judicious disposal of complaints in fair, transparent and time bound manner.
He was addressing the officer/officials after leading the pledge-taking ceremony on the first day of the annual Vigilance Awareness Week at Vigilance Bureau(VB) Bhawan SAS Nagar on Monday, aiming to raise awareness among citizens and public servants about the importance of an administration free from corrupt practices.
While directing the officers to initiate a widespread awareness campaign across all seven ranges, he emphasised that all SSPs of VB ranges and field officials should engage with the public. “The message against corruption must reach the grassroots level to promote transparency, accountability, probity and integrity within society in letter and spirit”, he said.
VB chief shared that this year's motto for Vigilance Awareness Week is ‘Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,’ as envisioned by the Central Vigilance Commission.
Continuing its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, the VB has registered 673 corruption cases from March 2022 till date. He added that during the investigation of these cases, a total of 758 accused individuals have been arrested.
He further stated that corruption is a dangerous and heinous crime against the integrity and dignity of a state and its citizens, regardless of whether it is committed by service providers or seekers. He emphasised that nobody will be spared if found indulging in corrupt practices and misappropriations. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the government and the VB in its anti-corruption campaign to ensure a corruption-free administration in the state.
Mr Varinder Kumar informed that with an aim to create a citizen-friendly complaint system, the Chief Minister Anti-Corruption Action Line WhatsApp number 9501-200-200 was launched by Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann in 2022. Following the information received through this action line, the Bureau has registered 189 FIRs. On the occasion DIG VB Harjit Singh and Joint Directors Mr Kanwaljit Singh and Arun Saini were also present.