Corruption is the biggest disease that eats away at a country's economic progress and public trust. To fight this disease and promote honesty in public life, the Government of India observes a massive nationwide campaign every year known as Vigilance Awareness Week.
As part of this week, the CVC offers an 'e-Pledge' on their official website. Any Indian citizen can visit the site, read a pledge promising never to take or give a bribe, and instantly download a beautiful 'Certificate of Commitment' from the Government of India!
It is a week-long awareness campaign organized by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)—the supreme anti-corruption government body in India. During this week, all government offices, banks, schools, and public sector companies host seminars, take integrity pledges, and organize poster-making competitions for students to spread awareness against bribery and corruption.
The week is strictly scheduled to coincide with the birthday of the 'Iron Man of India', Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which falls on October 31st. Therefore, Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 will be observed in the last week of October / early November (Specific dates are officially announced by the CVC every year, usually surrounding Oct 31).
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India, was known for his absolute, uncompromising honesty, strict administrative discipline, and flawless integrity. The CVC uses his birthday to inspire modern government employees to work with the same uncorrupted dedication.
The main goal of this week is not just to lecture government officers, but to empower ordinary citizens. It teaches the public about the PIDPI resolution (Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers)—a special law that protects 'Whistleblowers' (people who secretly report corrupt officers to the government) from being harassed or fired.
The Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) is appointed directly by the **President of India**, based on the recommendation of a highly powerful three-member committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
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