Vigilance Awareness Week Concludes at Vijayawada Division with a Call for Integrity and Accountability

 

The Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 concluded on 4th November 2025 with a grand ceremony at the Divisional Auditorium, Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway. The event, held in the presence of senior officials and staff, was marked by inspiring speeches, thought-provoking presentations, and recognition of employees who excelled in various competitions conducted during the week.

Shri Mohit Sonakiya, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, and Chief Guest of the occasion, delivered a compelling address highlighting the core values of integrity, vigilance, and accountability within Indian Railways. He reflected on the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, emphasising that the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week during Patel’s birth anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of moral courage and honesty in public service.

In his address, Shri Mohit Sonakiya underscored that every railway employee is a custodian of a vital national asset, bearing the responsibility of ensuring safe, efficient, and transparent service to millions of passengers and stakeholders. He stressed that vigilance is not the sole duty of the Vigilance Department but a collective responsibility, urging staff to stand against any wrongdoing and to contribute proactively to building a culture of integrity.

He outlined a three-pillar approach to strengthen ethical practices within the Division:

1.    Prevention is Better than Cure – Establishing systems that reduce corruption opportunities through digitization and simplified procedures.

2.    Transparency Builds Trust – Ensuring open access to processes and criteria for all stakeholders to eliminate malpractices.

3.    Zero Tolerance to Corruption – Taking swift and firm action against corruption while protecting and rewarding integrity.

Shri Sonakiya commended the Division’s progress in performance indicators and passenger satisfaction, calling for sustained vigilance in future projects to ensure accountability and fairness. He made a heartfelt appeal to employees to uphold honesty in their professional conduct and to leave behind a legacy of integrity for future generations.

The Guest of Honour, Shri S. Srinivas, Chief Workshop Manager, Rayanapadu, in his address, emphasised the importance of using modern tools and technology to prevent corruption. He highlighted that self-awareness, knowledge, and professional integrity are key to curbing unethical practices, pointing out that ignorance, pressure, and lack of awareness often lead to misconduct.

The event also featured insightful presentations by three Vigilance Officers:

• Shri Ch. Rakesh, Dy. Chief Vigilance Officer (Traffic & RPF) – Delivered a presentation on various types of vigilance: Participative, Preventive, Probing, Protective, and Punitive, along with steps to identify vigilance angles.
• Shri B. Rama Rao, Dy. Chief Vigilance Officer (Engineering) – Shared case studies highlighting vigilance scenarios in the Engineering Department.
• Shri K. Ravi Kumar, Sr. Vigilance Officer (Personnel) – Presented real-life case studies from the Personnel Department, illustrating lessons learned from vigilance interventions.

The ceremony concluded with a skit on Vigilance byBharat Scouts and Guides, and the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions organised during Vigilance Awareness Week, aimed at fostering awareness and a culture of honesty among employees. The event successfully reinforced the message that integrity is the foundation of trust, and collective vigilance is essential to uphold the transparency and reputation of Indian Railways.

SCR BZA PR No.176
Date: 4th November 2025