THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 28, 2026

Emphasising that integrity, transparency and a strong sense of responsibility are indispensable to good governance, Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhubaneswar, Wednesday called upon government employees to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and remain sincerely committed to their duties. He stressed that integrity must be guided by an individual’s conscience and commitment to public service, rather than merely by the fear of rules or disciplinary action.

The message was highlighted during the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 by CBC and PIB, Bhubaneswar, under the theme “Probity for Prosperity,” which underscores the vital role of probity in strengthening public administration and building a transparent, accountable and corruption-free society.

Emphasising the importance of integrity and dedication to duty, Akhil Kumar Mishra recalled the significant contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who served as the first Home Minister of independent India and also held charge as the country’s first Minister of Information and Broadcasting. He urged government employees to introspect regularly on their day-to-day work, assess their conduct and remain steadfast in discharging their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication. He emphasised that true integrity does not arise merely from the fear of rules, regulations or disciplinary action, but is rooted in an individual’s conscience, moral values and inherent sense of responsibility. He further underscored that public servants must demonstrate honesty and accountability in their professional conduct to strengthen public trust in government institutions.

The programme was attended by V.M. Ratna Prasad, Deputy Director General, National Academy of Broadcast and Multimedia (NABM), and Dr. Abhishek Mishra, Deputy Director, Regional News Unit (RNU), Doordarshan.

The dignitaries shared their perspectives on vigilance awareness, the prevention of corruption and the importance of upholding integrity and ethical values in public service. Their deliberations highlighted the need for collective efforts, individual responsibility and a sustained commitment to ethical practices to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

V.M. Ratna Prasad observed that the prevention of corruption is not the responsibility of any single organisation but a collective responsibility shared by every citizen. Highlighting integrity, transparency and accountability as the cornerstones of a corruption-free system, he called upon people to remain vigilant and report instances of corruption to the appropriate authorities. Referring to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s courage, determination and strong leadership, he stressed that individual awareness, ethical conduct and the transparent use of technology could play a significant role in curbing corrupt practices. He also emphasised that the active participation of citizens, coupled with responsible institutional practices, is essential for building a corruption-free India and fostering an environment conducive to inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

Dr. Abhishek Mishra emphasised that integrity should not be confined to professional responsibilities but must also find expression in an individual’s personal life. He observed that self-awareness, strong ethical values and unwavering dedication to duty are essential for nurturing a culture of honesty and accountability. He further noted that the consistent practice of ethical principles in both personal and professional spheres can contribute significantly to building a corruption-free society. Stressing the connection between probity and prosperity, he highlighted that a society founded on moral values, responsible conduct and mutual trust is better positioned to achieve sustainable development and collective progress.

The programme also featured an interactive question-and-answer session to enhance awareness and encourage meaningful engagement among participants on issues relating to vigilance, integrity and the prevention of corruption. The session provided an opportunity to exchange views and reinforce the importance of ethical conduct in the discharge of official responsibilities. As part of the observance, all officers and staff took the vigilance pledge, reaffirming their commitment to upholding integrity, maintaining transparency and adhering to ethical standards in public life.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Assistant Director, CBC, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the significance of observing Vigilance Awareness Week.

Bikas Ranjan Dalai, Information Assistant, PIB, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries and participants for their valuable contributions. The meeting was moderated by Mahendra Prasad Jena, Assistant Director, PIB, Bhubaneswar.