Prof Dr Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar said that NIFT Gandhinagar is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 30th October to 5th November 2023 on the theme  “भ्रस्टाचार का विरोध करें; राष्ट्र के प्रति समर्पित रहें – Say no to corruption; commit to the Nation”. Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood also informed that NIFT Gandhinagar Campus has planned various activities, including a Panel Discussion on Vigilance Awareness, Poster-Making Competition and Nukkad Natak to sensitize everyone about vigilance and its importance.

On 2nd November 2023, Shri Vasamsetty Ravi Teja, I.P.S. Superintendent of Police, Gandhinagar, was invited as Chief Guest and Speaker to deliver inputs on Vigilance Measures and Awareness. The panel discussion was very informative and valuable. Shri Vasamsetty Ravi Teja, I.P.S. Officer, discussed the importance of setting a good example in society and emphasized the need to end corrupt practices.   The panel discussion explored various facets of corruption, encompassing its manifestations, such as financial bribes, non-monetary inducements, coercive and collusive practices, and the moral quandary surrounding the incentivization of government officials. Corruption takes on diverse forms, including monetary payoffs, property-related incentives, gift-giving, and employment favours.

Collusive corruption occurs when both parties willingly engage in corrupt acts, often intending to expedite processes, mitigate fines, or partake in transactions associated with illicit funds. Coercive corruption, conversely, entails government officials coercing individuals into offering bribes, even when they are disinclined to do so. Additionally, government officials sometimes deal with moral dilemmas when choosing between two qualified candidates, and they may resort to providing incentives to sway their decisions, a practice considered corrupt.

Addressing corruption necessitates promoting transparency, adherence to legal frameworks, setting positive role models, and actively reporting instances of corruption when witnessed. Furthermore, the discussion extended to pragmatic measures, such as recognizing potentially corrupt transactions, overcoming challenges in accessing government services, implementing transparency-enhancing initiatives like the "Citizen Charter," and facilitating public communication with key officials.

He also included cybercrime prevention strategies, including safeguarding sensitive information like OTPs and securing Aadhaar biometrics using the M Aadhaar app. Vigilance measures entailed annual property declarations and obtaining government authorization for significant purchases. For online transactions, security can be enhanced by locking credit and debit cards, limiting transaction amounts, and fortifying defences against sextortion, a rising concern that merits immediate reporting.

In conclusion, the speaker emphasized the importance of setting examples and practising what they preach to end corrupt practices in the country. By doing so, they hope to create a safer and more responsible society for all citizens.

NIFT students performed a street play (Nukkad Natak) centred around the theme of corruption. The performance aimed to illustrate how even a seemingly minor instance of corruption, such as bribing a traffic police officer, can set off a chain of negative consequences, with one dishonest act leading to another, creating a ripple effect of wrongdoing.

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