ICAR–CIFA Observes Vigilance Awareness Week 2025

3 November 2025, Bhubaneswar

ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, commenced the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 on 27 October 2025, aligning with the national theme ‘Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.’ The week-long observance aimed to promote transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct among employees and the wider community.

The inaugural programme was held on 27 October 2025 with the Integrity Pledge for Citizens and the Integrity Pledge for Organizations, administered to all employees at the ICAR–CIFA Headquarters, Bhubaneswar. The event was simultaneously observed at the institute’s Regional Research Centres located at Rahara (West Bengal), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bengaluru (Karnataka), and Bathinda (Punjab).

Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo, Director, ICAR–CIFA, inaugurated the observance and addressed the gathering, emphasizing the collective role of all employees in fostering a culture of honesty, accountability, and good governance.

On the occasion, the experts, delivered a talk on the theme “Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility,” highlighting the significance of vigilance practices in ensuring ethical and transparent functioning within the organization.

To encourage employee engagement, a quiz competition on vigilance-related topics was held on the inaugural day, followed by a debate competition on 28 October 2025, and a rangoli competition on 29 October 2025 based on the week’s theme. A Capacity Building Programme was also organized on 29 October, during which Shri Yaswant Sorte, Finance and Accounts Officer, sensitized staff about key financial rules and procedures aimed at promoting transparency in administrative and financial operations.

As part of outreach activities, an Awareness Gram Sabha was organized on 30 October 2025 at Umadeibrahmapur Gram Panchayat, Balianta Block, Khordha District, to spread awareness among villagers about government initiatives for the prevention of corruption.

On 31 October 2025, a Sensitization Workshop on “Preventive Vigilance” was held, featuring Shri Shishir Kumar Mishra, Former DGP (J&K Cadre), as the Chief Guest. In his address, Shri Mishra emphasized the importance of preventive vigilance in combating corruption and cited teachings from the Bhagavad Gita to illustrate values of righteousness, moral courage, and self-discipline in public service. His inspiring talk resonated deeply with the participants, reinforcing their commitment to ethical conduct.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR–CIFA, urged all staff members to uphold the highest standards of integrity and dedication in their professional duties.

The week-long observance reflected ICAR–CIFA’s sustained commitment to promoting integrity, accountability, and good governance, reaffirming its resolve to build a corruption-free organizational environment.

Around 100 villagers participated and took the Integrity Pledge. Scientists from ICAR–CIFA and KVK, Khordha, actively participated in this programme.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar)