Rayagada observes vigilance awareness week–2026; Collector calls for integrity and transparency in public service
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
Rayagada, October 31: Reinforcing the collective responsibility to combat corruption and promote ethical governance, Rayagada district observed Vigilance Awareness Week–2026 with a district-level awareness rally and public meeting on Saturday.
The programme highlighted the importance of honesty, transparency, accountability and integrity in public life and government administration. The day’s programme began with an awareness rally at 8 AM, starting from Gajapati Chhak and culminating at the District Collector’s Office. Subsequently, a district-level awareness meeting was organised at the New Conference Hall of the Collectorate.
District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni presided over the meeting and urged government officials and employees to uphold the highest standards of integrity while discharging their responsibilities. He observed that Vigilance Awareness Week serves as an important reminder of the need for individual accountability and collective commitment towards building a corruption-free society. He also stressed that transparency in government functioning and accountability to citizens must remain fundamental principles of public administration. Educationist Dushmanta Kumar Mohanty, who attended as the keynote speaker, elaborated on the importance of ethical values, honesty in public life and individual responsibility in preventing corruption.
Bar Association President Brajasundar Nayak and Government Advocate Shri Padmanabha Das, attending as distinguished speakers, highlighted the damaging consequences of corruption and underscored the responsibility of citizens in resisting corrupt practices and strengthening ethical standards in society. The programme was attended by Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad, Special Development Council Vice-Chairperson Manjula Miniaaka, Additional District Magistrate (General) Rabindranath Kahnar, Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad Akshaya Kumar Khemundu, Rayagada BDO Sujit Kumar Mishra, Vigilance DSP Suryakanti Takri and District Information and Public Relations Officer Debaraj Takri.
Officials and employees from various government departments, members of Self-Help Groups, students from schools and colleges, and other distinguished guests also participated in the programme. The speakers collectively called for sustained public participation in the fight against corruption, emphasising that a transparent and accountable society can be built only through integrity, responsible citizenship and ethical conduct at every level.
