29 Oct : Message of the Governor of Nagaland, K. Sankaranarayanan: ‘I am happy to learn that Vigilance Commission, Nagaland is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 31st October to November this year. This occasion coincides with the birth anniversary of Sadar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India. He was the man behind integration of All Indian States as also founder of the Civil Services and administrative set up in our country.
On this occasion we all need to dedicate ourselves to public service and to take steps for eradication of corruption in public life. Corruption is a menace that strikes at the very foundation of the society and affects the economy. It manifests itself in various forms like favouritism, nepotism and financial corruption. We need to take proactive steps to eliminate this virus from amongst us.
Enactment of legislation like Right to Information Act and Prevention of Corruption Act has helped to control corruption to some extent. However, in order to regain the trust of the society public servants will have to make a conscious effort to ensure that directly or indirectly they do not indulge in corrupt practices. Society will also have to ensure that the honest are rewarded and respected and the corrupt duly punished.
The Vigilance Commission, Nagaland has taken steps in this regard and I am sure that the support of all and observation of Vigilance Awareness Week will make all of us aware as also better equipped in tackling this problem.’
Message of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio:
‘Like every year, the ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’ is going to be observed all over the country from 31st October to 4th November 2008, coinciding with the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Union Home Minister of India. The Week is meant to remind us of the need for greater resolve to fight corruption at all levels by one and all.
War, it is said, is too dangerous, because it destroys lives and properties. Corruption is equally dangerous, because it destroys the moral fibre and sanctity of human society. Anti-corruption measures are like medicines, which not only cure the ailments, but prevent the spread of the disease.
During this Vigilance Awareness Week, I would request all the Heads of Departments/Heads of Administrative Departments to seriously discuss with their officers, ways and means to ensure that resources meant for development are not misused, but strictly utilized for the purposes for which the money has been sanctioned. Every effort should be made to utilize the limited resources of the Government judiciously, and in a pro-poor manner. Let us also remember that the worst victims of corruption are the poor people.
On this day, I once again appeal to the public in general and Government servants in particular, to rededicate themselves towards checking and removal of corruption from the society, I would also appeal to the public at large to bring instances of corruption to the notice of the concerned authorities for necessary action. I also request my colleagues and all government servants to co-operate with State Vigilance Commission in curbing corruption thereby helping to shape a better tomorrow for the present and future generations.’