EMN
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 25
CHIEF Minister Neiphiu Rio has admitted that corruption is increasing in the “country” and this ‘disturbing fact’ call the attention of every citizen to “fight this evil of corruption before it engulfs us.”
He said corruption is in itself a call for citizens to fight the scourge that is ‘eating into the vitals’ of our state and the nation.’The statement was part of a message the Chief Minister delivered commemorating Vigilance Awareness Week being observed across the country. India is ranked 95 in the corruption Perception Index among 183 countries in the world in 2011. It ranked 87 among 180 countries in 2010 and 72 in 2007.
“This trend pinpoints to the disturbing fact that the rate of corruption is on increase year by year in our country, which should not only be a matter of great concern to every citizen, but it also highlights the need to fight this evil of corruption before it engulfs us,” Rio said.
The Chief Minister was “happy” to know that the Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed throughout the country from October 28 to November 2. The annual event aims to create “social awareness” among the people about the evil effects of corruption in governance and public life and the need to fight corruption by involving all members of the civil society.
“Good governance is the most effective way to ensure that public funds are actually and effective used for the purpose they are sanctioned, and that Government’s welfare measures actually reach the intended beneficiaries without any leakage or the least possible leakage on the way,” Rio said.
According to him, the Nagaland State Vigilance Commission is exerting “relentless efforts to curb corruption” in the State and “have been doing a commendable work.” However, he said the task of combating corruption should not be left to commission alone “but all of us should participate in the fight against it.”
The Chief Minister has also appealed “to all concerned citizens to contribute their best in the fight against corruption, which is eating into the vitals of our state and the nation.” To the public servants, Rio asked them to “rededicate themselves, and to work with honesty, integrity and sincerity to eradicate corruption from our society.” He wished the Nagaland State Vigilance Commission “all the best in its efforts to help in bringing about good governance and transparency in the government and in the society.”
Nagaland will be observing Vigilance Awareness Week with the theme ‘Promoting Good Governance-Positive Contribution of Vigilance’ from October 28. A formal function will be held in the conference hall of the Nagaland Civil Secretariat at 11 am on October 28 where the ‘vigilance awareness pledge’ will be taken.
Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir will deliver the introductory speech and administer the pledge. All the government employees including those of the central government in the Civil Secretariat are requested to attend the function as directed by the Home department.
Governor’s message
Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar also issued a note in commemoration of Vigilance Week.
“The improvement in governance requires eliminating corruption, increase of transparency in public procurement and enforcing accountability,” the governor said.
“I request all sections of the society, specially the public servants, to help in eradicating corruption. We all need to respect the rule of law. My best wishes are with the Nagaland State Vigilance Commission and its officers for making Vigilance Awareness Week successful,” he stated.
