Gandhinagar, December 9 (IANS). International Anti-Corruption Day was observed in Gujarat on Tuesday at a state-level function with the theme “Vigilance is our shared responsibility”, which was presided over by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi.
The event, organized by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), honored police personnel who have done excellent work in corruption cases, and also honored four courageous citizens who helped expose and arrest corrupt officials by filing complaints.
12 students who won state level essay and speech competitions on anti-corruption awareness were also felicitated. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that ACB is a department created to protect the poor and ensure justice.
Emphasizing on ethical conduct, he said that one should never take more than one’s rights. This is the value that our culture has given us. When our work gives us inner satisfaction, that is true duty. The image of ACB should be such that criminals always remain in fear of being caught, so that corruption can never take root.
Calling for a “zero tolerance” approach, he urged the ACB to maintain strict vigil to make Gujarat corruption free and accelerate the development of the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi praised the courage of the ACB in taking action against corrupt officials at all levels and said that the state has taken strict action, including compulsory retirement, which reflects the tough stance of the Chief Minister.
Sanghvi also stressed on greater use of technology, including AI tools, to act on complaints and strengthen investigations.
Chief Secretary MK Das said corruption is an international problem that hinders development and causes immense harm to the poor.
He highlighted the reforms undertaken under the leadership of CM Patel, including simplification of rules, major administrative reforms, ease of doing business measures and amendments in revenue laws.
–IANS
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