VB launches week-long drive to fight corruption

With an aim to promote vigilance awareness among citizens, the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) has launched a series of activities to mark Vigilance Awareness Week, being observed till November 2 under the theme “Vigilance — Our Shared Prosperity.” The observance began with an Integrity Pledge administered across all SV&ACB units and police ranges in the state.

During the week, the Bureau will conduct mass public outreach campaigns, including the circulation of bulk SMS messages containing contact details of SV&ACB police stations and vigilance helpline numbers, ensuring easy access for people seeking anti-corruption support. Awareness rallies and walks featuring schoolchildren carrying placards with integrity and anti-corruption messages will also be organised to inspire collective action against corruption.

At the community level, meetings involving Panchayat leaders, farmers, MGNREGA workers, self-help groups and local citizens will be held to raise awareness in regional languages about vigilance and preventive measures against corruption. Students from schools, colleges and Himachal Pradesh University will be invited to submit creative posters on the theme. District-level declamation contests and debates will also be organised to engage youth in discussions on honesty, ethics and transparency in public life.

Superintendents of Police (SPs) will hold interactive sessions with officers from key government departments to sensitise them about vigilance mechanisms and best practices for corruption prevention. Additionally, a Vigilance Awareness Display Picture (DP) will be circulated digitally, encouraging citizens to share it on social media to strengthen the message of integrity and shared responsibility.

“The observance coincides with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose ideals of integrity, unity and good governance continue to guide our efforts toward a transparent and accountable administration,” said Director General of SV&ACB Ashok Tewari.