“Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility”
TNR News Network
Shimla
On the eve of Vigilance Awareness Week 2025, being observed from 27th October to 2nd November, a Conference of Ex-officio Vigilance Officers (EVOs) from 26 departments of the Government of Himachal Pradesh was organized today at the Police Headquarters, Shimla, under the chairmanship of Shri Ashok Tewari, IPS, Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh. Senior officers of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) were also present.
This Conference was held to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and sensitize the participating officers on preventive vigilance, enquiry procedures and timely departmental action.
The Ex-officio Vigilance Officers appreciated the initiatives, transparency measures and professional working procedures adopted by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau over the past year. The participants also expressed gratitude to the DGP for organizing such an interactive and informative session at the Police Headquarters.
Addressing the participants, Shri Ashok Tewari, IPS, emphasized that Ex-officio Vigilance Officers act as a vital link between their respective departments and the Vigilance Bureau. He elaborated on the difference between “misconduct” and “criminal misconduct”, advising officers to deal with such matters in accordance with the provisions of law and departmental rules.
The DGP explained in detail the multi-stage process followed by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau — from the receipt and verification of complaints, preliminary enquiry, registration of FIRs, investigation, filing of charge sheets, and obtaining prosecution sanctions under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).
He also expressed concern over delays in granting prosecution sanctions in certain departments and urged all officers to ensure timely responses to references from the Vigilance Bureau. Coordination and prompt communication, he said, are essential for maintaining the credibility and pace of vigilance operations.
The DGP also highlighted the functioning of Central Vigilance Agencies and the State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau, reiterating the State Government’s commitment to a transparent, responsive, and corruption-free administration.
The meeting reiterated that the role of Ex-officio Vigilance Officers is crucial in:
Ensuring effective liaison between departments and the Bureau;
Identifying procedural loopholes and recommending preventive measures;
Ensuring timely submission of vigilance returns, reports, and responses; and
Promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
The DGP advised all EVOs to exercise their vigilance functions with sensitivity, fairness, and responsibility, ensuring that every complaint is dealt with objectively and within prescribed timelines.
The State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau, Himachal Pradesh, is observing Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 from 27th October to 2nd November 2025, under the national theme — “Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility.”
Various awareness activities, integrity pledges, and outreach programs are being organized across the State to promote ethical conduct, transparency, and public participation in the fight against corruption.
Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with the Vigilance Bureau by reporting instances of corruption, misuse of office, or irregularities through proper channels. The Bureau assures complete confidentiality and protection to those who report wrongdoing in good faith.
The State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau reaffirms its commitment to fair investigation, preventive vigilance, and ethical governance in Himachal Pradesh.
