Port Blair, Nov 05: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are proud to be observing ‘Vigilance Awareness Week 2023’ in a befitting manner, with a resounding commitment to combat corruption. This significant event is being observed from Oct. 30, 2023 to Nov. 5, 2023, under the theme ‘Say No to Corruption; commit to the Nation.’ In the pursuit of a more transparent and accountable society, encourage every citizen to actively participate in this campaign.
During Vigilance Awareness Week, various events such as awareness programs at various Government Offices, Street Plays (Nukkad Natak), and display of hoardings at prominent public places, performances by Police Bands, elocution competitions for school students, and debate competitions for college students were organized to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption and to emphasize the significance of reporting such incidents.
The concluding ceremony of Vigilance Awareness Week was held in the auditorium of Tagore Government College of Education today. The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests and senior officials who came together to promote the importance of vigilance and integrity.
Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands was the chief guest on the occasion. 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 joined the event to show their commitment to the cause of vigilance and anti-corruption. The ceremony aimed to raise awareness about vigilance and anti-corruption initiatives, and it featured a powerful Nukkad Natak (street play) performed to captivate the audience and drive the message home.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition and felicitation of the winners from the elocution and debate competitions organized during Vigilance Awareness Week 2023. The deserving winners received certificates and cash prizes for their exemplary 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, while 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 underlined the pivotal role of the public in combating corruption, urging all to actively step forward and report any incidents of corruption they may come across. She emphasized that, through collective efforts, we can foster a society characterized by transparency and freedom from corruption.
The general public have 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) or pass the complaint over Phone Nos.: SP(ACU) – 9434287533 / 03192-240840, DY.SP (ACU) – 9434289897 / 03192 – 232249, SHO(ACU) – 9531908234 / 03192 – 244698. Name of the complainant will be kept secret and also given suitable cash rewards, a press release from SP(ACU) said.
