CVC ropes in PSUs, banks for awareness against corruption

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has tasked public sector undertakings, banks and insurance companies with raising awareness against corruption in schools, colleges and gram sabhas across the country.
The anti-corruption watchdog, in a recent order, has allotted cities to each PSU, bank and insurance company.
"Laying stress for creation of awareness on the ill- effects of corruption amongst school and college students, the Commission desires that special efforts may be made by each field unit/branch of every central public sector enterprise to reach out to students in at least two schools and three colleges," the CVC said in the order.

A total of 163 cities and 96 organisations have been chosen for the purpose, it said.
Activities conducted in schools and colleges need to be sustained over a period of time to ensure that ethical values are ingrained permanently in the minds of young generations, it said.
"All organisations may, therefore, encourage establishment of 'Integrity Clubs' in schools and colleges as children are the future assets of the country and it is important to cultivate moral values in them," the probity watchdog said.

While 'Awareness Gram Sabhas' would suffice in rural areas, in urban areas, the public can also be engaged in discussions about corruption though seminars/workshops.

"Similarly, public sector banks may also ensure that their branches located at block headquarters and district headquarters organise such seminars at each block and at each district headquarters," it said.
The CVC has suggested extensive use of social media, bulk SMS/e-mail, Whatsapp, electronic and print media and the like for spreading awareness.
The State Bank of India, for instance, has been given 50 cities, including New Delhi, Patna, Gaya, Raipur, Indore, Bokaro and Surat, for outreach activities, according to the Commission's order.
Bank of Baroda has been asked to conduct anti-corruption related activities in 19 cities, including Bikaner, Kota and Lucknow.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd has got 14 cities, including Guwahati, Kolkata, Rajkot, Vadodara, Chennai and Paradip. Similarly, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd has been asked to hold such programmes in Visakhapatnam, Greater Mumbai and Alwar among others.
The measure is a part of activities for Vigilance Awareness Week to be held from October 30 to November 4.
"Corruption undermines political development, democracy, economic development, the environment, people's health and much more. It is, therefore, imperative that the public must be sensitised and motivated in the Commission's anti- corruption efforts," the CVC order said.