Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW)
Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW) is an annual event observed in India to raise awareness about corruption and promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), an apex anti-corruption body in India, leads the initiative. VAW is typically observed during the last week of October or the first week of November.
History
The Central Vigilance Commission was established in 1964 to address corruption in public organizations. In 2000, the Commission decided to observe Vigilance Awareness Week every year to encourage the fight against corruption and raise public awareness about the issue. The first Vigilance Awareness Week was observed in November 2000.
Objectives
The primary objectives of Vigilance Awareness Week are:
- To promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life
- To raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on society and the economy
- To encourage public participation in the fight against corruption
- To reinforce the commitment of the government and public organizations to eradicate corruption
Activities during VAW
Various activities are organized during Vigilance Awareness Week to engage public officials, citizens, and stakeholders in the fight against corruption. These include:
- Seminars, workshops, and lectures on anti-corruption measures and best practices
- Debates, quiz competitions, and essay writing contests for students and youth
- Displaying posters, banners, and slogans promoting integrity and anti-corruption messages in public places
- Administering integrity pledges to public officials and citizens
- Conducting training programs for public officials on ethics and integrity
- Recognizing and rewarding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the fight against corruption
Theme and Impact
Each year, Vigilance Awareness Week is observed with a specific theme to focus on different aspects of corruption and its prevention. For example, the theme for 2023 was “Say no to corruption, commit to the Nation”.
The observance of Vigilance Awareness Week contributes to increased public awareness about corruption and its adverse effects on society. It has also encouraged public participation in the fight against corruption and promoted a culture of integrity and transparency in public life.
