Dimapur, Oct. 29 (EMN): On the occasion of ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’, scheduled to be celebrated countrywide from October 30 till November 4th, Chief Minister TR Zelaing as well as Governor PB Acharya have issued separate statements enclosing their “commitment” to combat corruption.
“Corruption adversely affects the growth of a nation, reduces the governments (sic) income and creates inequalities in distribution of income and wealth. It is a major factor hindering development. Corruption can be eliminated only with the active and committed involvement of the citizens. Active participation of individuals and civil society members is essential for enhancing integrity and eradicating corruption from the system.
“My government’s vision for corruption free India includes sensitising people against corruption. Very unfortunately, people do not look down on corruption because they have accepted it as a way of life. Honesty is treated as outdated and not in tune with the times. We need to make honesty as a new fashion for the scenario to change,” read a statement from the chief minister on Sunday.
He hoped that the ‘public awareness campaign during the Vigilance Awareness Week will sensitize the people about the menace of corruption’. “I call upon all citizens to join and actively participate in the movement against corruption. I also commend the role played by the Vigilance fraternity in eradicating corruption in India”.
Governor PB Acharya described corruption as a threat to the country’s social, economic and political development.
“The basic cause of corruption is human greed. In India factors such as excessive regulations, complicated tax and licensing systems, numerous government departments with opaque bureaucracy and discretionary powers, monopoly of government controlled institutions on certain goods and services delivery, and the lack of transparent laws and processes contribute to the prevalence of corruption.
“Corruption has become a way of life in many parts of India. A concerted effort is required to stop this menace. The first step in tackling this is to change the mindset of the people by sensitizing the people about the ill- effects of corruption, how it negatively impacts the society as a whole. Further, the Public must be made aware of their Rights so that welfare schemes intended for the masses are not misappropriated,” the governor said in a statement.
Every government department should ensure transparency and accountability in functioning and have effective preventive measures to fight corruption, he suggested. “Promotion of e-governance and use of RTI in our state will improve the accountability of the various departments. However, there is a concern for misusing the RTI in the state for personal gains. This unhealthy practise should be stopped forthwith”.
Acharya also reminded that the State Vigilance Commission has a very important role to play in combating corruption. “It is my firm belief that cases taken by the commission will be brought to its logical conclusion to ensure that the corrupt officials are convicted and appropriate penalties be imposed as per the law. This will be deterrent against corruption”.
