The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Wednesday conducted a pledge ceremony in observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 and it was followed by expert talk on "Vigilance Awareness and Anti-Corruption".
The pledge ceremony was held at the Main Faculty Block at 11:00 AM and was administered by Chief Vigilance Officer NIT Srinagar Prof. (HAG) Prof. G.A. Harmain. The event was attended by Incharge Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Roohie Naaz, Registrar Atikur Rehman, Deans,HODs, HOC's, faculty members, DRs, ARs, and other ministerial staff of the Institute.
During this pledge ceremony, both teaching and non teaching staff members pledged to work with zeal to maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, eradicate corruption and oppose all forms of corruption. Moreover, they pledged neither to offer nor to accept bribes, but rather to foster a culture of honesty and integrity.
It was followed by expert talk on vigilance and anti-corruption, in which Mr. Sheikh Firdous, DSP, Anti-Corruption Branch, CBI Srinagar, and Mr. Sheikh Aftab, Inspector, Anti-Corruption Branch, CBI Srinagar, were the key resource persons in the event at Common Hall.
In his keynote address, CVO NIT Srinagar, Prof. G.A. Harmain said that fighting against corruption is not only the responsibility of the respective government but also of the people.
"Curbing corruption is the endeavor of all governments across the world, but the people play an equally crucial role in this fight," he said.
Prof. Harmain said that corruption is like a cancer in society, and while it can be treated, I hope that one day we'll kill it. Awareness at the grassroot level is essential, and the government has taken many initiatives to address this," he added.
In his address, Sheikh Firdous, DySP, Anti-Corruption Branch, CBI Srinagar said that corruption cannot be attributed to a single individual or organization. Corruption begins at the most basic level, often when personal greed outweighs legitimate needs, he said.
"Corruption can be found across different sectors, from a vegetable seller to government employees, who sometimes engage in corrupt practices through various means," he said.
Mr. Firdous further said there is need for public awareness, urging citizens to be well-informed about their rights and to familiarize themselves with newly amended laws.
He encouraged students to study and understand the laws that govern them, adding that the police and other agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws. Awareness plays a key role in building a law-abiding, corruption-free society, Mr Firdous added.
Another speaker, Mr. Sheikh Aftab, Inspector Anti-Corruption Branch, CBI Srinagar also highlighted the pervasive impact of corruption on educational institutions, including NITs in India. He stressed the critical role of both faculty and students in fostering a culture of ethics and accountability.
"Promoting vigilance awareness is essential, as it equips faculty and students with the knowledge to recognize, prevent, and combat corruption," he said.
Mr. Aftab said that awareness programs are vital for both groups as they navigate academic and professional challenges. "By fostering integrity and accountability, we can collectively combat corruption and uphold the core values of education, he said.
"Promoting vigilance awareness at NITs is crucial to ensuring that education remains a beacon of ethical conduct and societal progress," he added.
Deputy Registrar (Admin) Faisal Irshad Ganai said that Vigilance Awareness Week serves as an important reminder of the continuous fight against corruption and the need to uphold integrity in all aspects of society.
"NIT Srinagar has lined up a series of events, such as expert talks, symposiums, workshops, skits, and awareness campaigns, all aimed at fostering integrity and ethical values," he said.
Ganai said these initiatives are designed to educate and empower both students and staff, ensuring they understand the importance of ethics and accountability.
Earlier on Tuesday a friendly football match was played between Teaching and Non teaching-staff members of NIT Srinagar at main ground under the banner of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, where non teaching staff defeated teaching staff by 3:1.