Sudam babu state bureau odisha

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Bhubaneswar, October 26, 2026

Departmental officials reaffirm commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical conduct; campaign highlights the importance of integrity in public administration

The Information and Public Relations Department of Odisha marked the beginning of Vigilance Awareness Week by organising an integrity pledge ceremony at its office in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Officers and employees participated in the programme and collectively reaffirmed their commitment to honesty, transparency, accountability and ethical practices in government service.

The statewide observance of Vigilance Awareness Week is being conducted from October 26 to November 1, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen public awareness about corruption, encourage responsible conduct among government officials and promote a culture in which integrity remains central to administrative functioning.

This year’s theme, “Integrity Leads to Prosperity,” emphasises the connection between ethical behaviour, effective governance and the overall development of society. Through various awareness activities, the campaign seeks to remind public servants and citizens alike that transparency and honesty are essential foundations of a progressive and trustworthy administration.

The pledge-taking programme at the Information and Public Relations Department office brought together departmental leadership, senior officials and employees from different sections. Participants expressed their determination to perform their official responsibilities with sincerity and to contribute towards creating a corruption-free administrative environment.

Officials pledge to uphold honesty in public service

The integrity pledge ceremony was organised under the leadership of Department Director Sanjay Kumar Biswal. He joined other departmental officers and employees in the programme, which focused on the importance of maintaining ethical standards while performing government duties.

During the event, participants reiterated their commitment to conducting themselves in accordance with established laws, rules and regulations. They pledged to discharge their responsibilities impartially and honestly while ensuring that public service remains guided by fairness and accountability.

The ceremony also highlighted the responsibility of government employees to protect the interests of citizens and maintain confidence in public institutions. Officials acknowledged that their conduct, decisions and professional behaviour directly influence the image of the administration.

The participants emphasised that integrity should not be limited to formal declarations or special occasions. Instead, it must become an essential part of everyday administrative work, influencing how officials handle public responsibilities, communicate with citizens and make decisions.

The pledge served as a collective expression of the department’s determination to maintain ethical standards and discourage practices that undermine public confidence.

Corruption identified as a barrier to development

An important aspect of the programme was the recognition that corruption can adversely affect economic growth, political stability and social development.

Participants acknowledged that corrupt practices weaken institutions, reduce the effectiveness of public programmes and create difficulties for citizens seeking government services. Such practices can also damage the credibility of administrative systems and affect the fair distribution of public resources.

The ceremony therefore stressed the need for continuous efforts to prevent corruption and encourage responsible conduct at every level of government functioning.

Officials reaffirmed their commitment to resisting unethical practices and ensuring that their decisions are guided by established procedures rather than personal interests.

The pledge also covered the responsibility to oppose bribery in all its forms. Participants expressed their determination neither to offer nor accept illegal gratification and to raise their voices against corrupt activities whenever they come across such practices.

The programme underscored that combating corruption requires more than institutional rules. It also depends on the willingness of individuals to act honestly, make responsible choices and refuse to participate in activities that violate ethical principles.

By encouraging employees to recognise their individual responsibilities, the department sought to reinforce the message that a transparent administration begins with the conduct of its personnel.

Senior departmental officers participate in the ceremony

Several senior officials attended the integrity pledge programme and joined departmental employees in reaffirming their commitment to ethical governance.

Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Behuria, Deputy Director Ashwini Kumar Bhoi and Financial Adviser Nirjharini Samantsingharay were among those present.

Their participation reflected the importance of involving officers from different administrative levels in initiatives designed to promote integrity and strengthen vigilance awareness.

The presence of departmental leadership also highlighted the role of senior officials in encouraging ethical behaviour within their respective areas of responsibility.

Government departments function through the coordinated efforts of officers, employees and administrative units. Maintaining transparency across these different levels is important for ensuring that official responsibilities are carried out efficiently and fairly.

The programme provided an opportunity for departmental personnel to collectively reflect on their professional obligations and the standards expected from public servants.

It also reinforced the importance of leadership in establishing an organisational environment where honesty, discipline and accountability are encouraged.

Vigilance Awareness Week focuses on responsible administration

Vigilance Awareness Week is an important initiative aimed at increasing understanding of corruption-related challenges and encouraging preventive measures in government institutions.

The week-long campaign provides an opportunity for departments to communicate the importance of ethical behaviour, responsible decision-making and adherence to administrative rules.

Rather than treating vigilance as an issue limited to investigations or disciplinary action, the observance highlights the value of prevention through awareness, education and institutional responsibility.

The theme “Integrity Leads to Prosperity” places particular emphasis on the role of ethical conduct in supporting sustainable development.

When public institutions operate transparently, citizens are better positioned to understand administrative processes and develop confidence in government decisions. Responsible governance also helps ensure that public resources are used for their intended purposes.

The campaign encourages government employees to understand that their professional responsibilities extend beyond completing assigned tasks. They are also expected to maintain fairness, protect public interests and ensure that their conduct reflects the principles of public service.

The Information and Public Relations Department’s pledge ceremony was organised in this broader context, linking individual responsibility with the objective of improving administrative credibility.

Transparency and accountability remain essential for public trust

The programme highlighted the relationship between integrity and public confidence.

Government departments regularly interact with citizens through information dissemination, administrative services and the implementation of public initiatives. In these interactions, transparency and responsible conduct play an important role in building trust.

Officials stressed the importance of carrying out duties without discrimination, following applicable procedures and maintaining accountability for official decisions.

The observance also drew attention to the need for employees to remain conscious of their responsibilities while dealing with public matters.

An administration that follows ethical practices can create a more dependable environment for citizens. Clear procedures, honest communication and responsible decision-making help reduce opportunities for misuse of authority.

The pledge ceremony reinforced the message that government employees must remain committed to these principles throughout their professional careers.

It also highlighted the importance of collective participation in strengthening institutional standards. While individual conduct is important, the effectiveness of vigilance initiatives depends on cooperation among employees, departmental leadership and administrative systems.

Awareness campaign encourages a culture of integrity

The observance of Vigilance Awareness Week provides government departments with an opportunity to renew their commitment to ethical administration.

The Information and Public Relations Department’s programme reflected this objective by bringing officers and employees together for a common pledge.

The participants expressed their determination to follow the law, perform their duties sincerely and remain vigilant against corruption and injustice.

The initiative also emphasised that integrity should be reflected in practical administrative behaviour. Employees are expected to maintain honesty in official dealings, respect established rules and avoid actions that could compromise public interests.

The campaign seeks to encourage a workplace environment where ethical conduct is recognised as a shared responsibility.

Such awareness initiatives can help strengthen understanding of vigilance-related principles and remind employees that responsible governance depends on consistent adherence to them.

A renewed commitment to ethical governance

The integrity pledge ceremony at the Information and Public Relations Department office in Bhubaneswar marked an important beginning to the statewide Vigilance Awareness Week observance.

Through the programme, departmental officers and employees reiterated their commitment to honesty, transparency, accountability and the prevention of corrupt practices.

The participation of Director Sanjay Kumar Biswal, Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Behuria, Deputy Director Ashwini Kumar Bhoi, Financial Adviser Nirjharini Samantsingharay and other departmental personnel reflected a collective commitment to maintaining ethical standards in public administration.

As the awareness campaign continues until November 1, its central message remains focused on the importance of integrity in government functioning.

The programme concluded with a renewed emphasis on responsible public service, respect for the law and the need to oppose corruption in every form.

The department’s initiative highlighted that good governance is strengthened when honesty becomes a daily practice, accountability guides official decisions and public service is carried out with integrity.

The message of Vigilance Awareness Week is therefore not confined to a single pledge-taking event. It represents an ongoing responsibility to promote transparent administration, protect public trust and contribute to a society where ethical conduct supports progress and prosperity.