Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 05 November 2023
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands proudly celebrated ‘Vigilance Awareness Week 2023’ from October 30, 2023, to November 5, 2023, under the theme ‘Say No to Corruption; Commit to the Nation.’ The week-long event aimed at fostering transparency and accountability within society by actively engaging citizens in the fight against corruption.
A series of events were organized during Vigilance Awareness Week to raise awareness about the adverse impacts of corruption and the importance of reporting such incidents. Activities included awareness programs at various government offices, street plays (Nukkad Natak), the display of anti-corruption hoardings in prominent public places, performances by police bands, elocution competitions for school students, and debate competitions for college students.
The concluding ceremony of Vigilance Awareness Week took place on November 4, 2023, at the auditorium of Tagore Government College of Education. The event was attended by several distinguished guests and senior officials who united to underscore the significance of vigilance and integrity.
Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-Cum Secretary (Vigilance), A&N Administration, and Mr. Sanjay Tyagi, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Anti Corruption Unit), were among the distinguished guests who emphasised their commitment to the cause of vigilance and anti-corruption. A powerful Nukkad Natak (street play) was performed, capturing the audience’s attention and delivering the anti-corruption message effectively.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition and felicitation of the winners from the elocution and debate competitions held during Vigilance Awareness Week 2023. The deserving winners received certificates and cash prizes for their outstanding performances.
In the debate competition, Ms. S. Sonia of Tagore Government College of Education claimed the top spot, earning a cash prize of ₹5,000. Mr. Mohammed Fardeen Yusuf from Andaman Law College secured the second position with a cash reward of ₹3,000, and Ms. Disha Singh, also from Tagore Government College of Education, took the third position with a cash reward of ₹2,000.
In the school student elocution competition, Ms. D Shrist from Mahatma Gandhi International School clinched the first position, receiving a cash reward of ₹5,000. Ms. K.V. Nazma Rafiq from Kamaraj English Medium School was awarded the second prize with a cash reward of ₹3,000, and Ms. Praptee Dutta from Mahatma Gandhi International School attained the third prize, along with a cash reward of ₹2,000.
Ms. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, Superintendent of Police (Anti Corruption Unit), concluded the event with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the attendees and participants for their dedication and commitment to the cause of vigilance. In her closing remarks, she stressed the essential role of the public in fighting corruption, urging all to actively step forward and report any instances of corruption they may encounter. She emphasized that, through collective efforts, a society characterized by transparency and freedom from corruption could be achieved.
The general public has been urged to report any instances of corruption involving public servants in any form to the attention of the Superintendent of Police (ACU), Deputy Superintendent of Police (ACU), or the Station House Officer (ACU) via the provided phone numbers. The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential, and suitable cash rewards will be given, according to a press release from SP(ACU).