COPENHAGEN: Vigilance Awareness Week is one of the outreach measures wherein all the stake holders are encouraged to prevent and combat corruption. The theme of this year as announced by the Central Vigilance Commission is ‘Public Participation in promoting integrity and eradicating corruption’. The Commissionerates, besides taking pledge, have conducted several competitions both for officers and school children to spread the message in line with the theme.
Dr M Subramanyam, Commissioner, presided over the function. Detailing the journey of the department, he highlighted that over a period of time with the advent of IT, the interface with trade has drastically been reduced and trade facilitation has been prioritized. Several measures have been taken by the Central Board of Excise and Customs in the direction of ease of doing business. Stating that the public grievance redressal mechanism has drastically been strengthened, he said that the combined Commissionerates are having a huge assessee base of over 8,700 with a revenue collection of over Rs.13,500 crores but there were just 13 grievances so far in this year which have also been redressed.
Referring to scriptures guiding just and right approach devoid of lust, greed and anger, he added that such approach will lead to a contended and happy individuals and in turn society. In this regard, he cited the example of Denmark which figures first in world happiness index mainly because of great social life, habit of giving back to society and less corruption.
Dr K G Jagadeesh, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district, who was the Chief Guest for the day said that corruption in various forms which hinders the overall development of the country can be combated by public participation, and that the views of the public need to be involved in policy making and execution along with the required technical support. In order to move forward it is also necessary to enlighten the younger generation with a strong value system and ultimately it is the self conscience that man is answerable for which one has to be truthful. He asserted that public servants should use their power for the betterment of people.
Prizes were distributed to winners of various competitions held during the observance of this week. Reena Shetty, Addl. Commissioner, Customs accorded the formal welcome and Datta Kumar, Addl. Commissioner, Central Excise & Service Tax delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the National Anthem.
