Talks, integrity pledge at GNDU, IIM-A

Vigilance Awareness Week

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Amritsar, kicked off activities for the Vigilance Awareness Week 2025, scheduled to be marked from October 27 to November 2. It aligns with the nationwide initiative to foster integrity, transparency and accountability in all spheres of public life. The observance marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The institute hosted a special talk by Arun Bansal, Chief Vigilance Officer, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). Prof Samir K Srivastava, Director, IIM-A, Dr Mukesh Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer, along with faculty members, staff and MBA students, who came together to reflect on the theme, "Vigilance --- Our Shared Responsibility".

Dr Mukesh highlighted the importance of introspection and ethical conduct in institutional life. He said that integrity elevates individuals and that collective effort is essential in building a corruption-free environment.

Drawing on his 17 years of experience in vigilance and corporate governance, Arun Bansal delivered an insightful address on the importance of ethical behaviour in professional and personal life. Bansal elaborated on the vigilance framework in India, outlining the roles of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). He explained the three pillars of vigilance: preventive, investigative and punitive, highlighting the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers (PIDPI) Resolution, an Indian government initiative that enables citizens to report corruption and misuse of office by Central Government employees. He described how such complaints can be filed responsibly and effectively. Bansal remarked, "Integrity is a superpower that will never fail you. Your degree opens doors, but your integrity keeps them open."

Guru Nanak Dev University kicked off Vigilance Awareness Week with an integrity pledge ceremony administered across its main campus, regional campuses and constituent colleges. The integrity pledge ceremony was held outside the Administrative Block of GNDU at 11:00 am, in collaboration with the Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar range. The ceremony had Dr KS Chahal, Registrar, GNDU, along with Dr Shalini Behal, Professor in-charge (Examinations); Dr Rajesh Kalia, Deputy Registrar, (Finance). The non-teaching officers and employees were also present in large numbers during the event.

Dr Sandeep Dua, Chief Vigilance Officer, emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of honesty and vigilance, reminding everyone that collective awareness and responsibility are key to eradicating corruption.