BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said, the State Government is putting in place a preventive vigilance mechanism at both district and block levels to arrest corruption at the grassroots.Reiterating his administration’s policy for zero tolerance against corruption, Naveen said, steps are being taken to install an effective internal vigilance mechanism in every administrative department and state run public sector units by revamping the CVO system.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the diamond jubilee celebration of Odisha Vigilance, Naveen said an oversight committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been constituted to keep an eye on the preventive vigilance structure which is being created.
Emphasising the use of IT and social media in arresting corruption, he lauded the public interface programme of the Vigilance wing and had a word of praise for the crackdown launched against the illegal practices in rural housing schemes. He also reiterated implementation of 3Ts - teamwork, transparency and technology.
To mark the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated five former directors of the Vigilance and the family members of 10 other former directors of the agency. So far, around 23 directors have served the State Vigilance Department since its inception in 1957.Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi said, the response to complaints and grievances against corruption must be quick and swift.
Speaking on the occasion, Director, Vigilance Dr RP Sharma said, the anti-corruption wing set up six dedicated telephone lines at divisional headquarters and one line at agency’s headquarters in Cuttack to receive the complaints regarding corruption in rural housing scheme. At least 40 cases have been registered basing on the complaints, he informed .
“We have also revamped our website where the citizens can lodge their complaints and convey their suggestions. Besides this, the agency’s Facebook page and Twitter handle is also available for the public,” he added.The CM unveiled a commemorative medal and a formation sign for the uniformed personnel of the Vigilance wing to enhance professionalism, morale and motivation. A souvenir and a short film on the evolution and activities of the agency were also released.Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera and Additional DG, Vigilance Debashish Panigrahy were also present.