Chandigarh, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from October 26 to November 1, 2026, under the theme “Probity for Prosperity”, in alignment with the nationwide initiative led by the Central Vigilance Commission. As part of the observance, VB officers and officials took a solemn pledge to uphold integrity and strengthen the fight against corruption at a function held at the Bureau’s headquarters in Mohali.
Vigilance Awareness Week is observed annually during the week in which the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, celebrated on October 31, falls. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about corruption and encourage citizens to actively support efforts to promote transparency and accountability in public administration.
The integrity pledge was administered by Swarandeep Singh, Joint Director, IVC and SU, in the presence of Dr. Sharad Satya Chauhan, Special Director General of Police-cum-Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab; Joint Directors Prabhjot Kaur and Deyama Harish Kumar Omprakash; and Harpreet Singh, Deputy Inspector General, Economic Offences Wing.
Dr. Sharad Satya Chauhan said the primary objective of the week-long campaign was to sensitise and empower citizens about their important role in supporting the Bureau’s efforts to eradicate corruption from public offices.
He said the theme “Probity for Prosperity” emphasised that transparency, ethical conduct and institutional integrity were essential foundations for sustainable economic growth and public prosperity.
To ensure wider public participation, Senior Superintendents of Police across Vigilance Bureau ranges have been directed to organise outreach programmes in rural and urban areas of every district. Officials have also been instructed to maintain an open-door policy and interact directly with citizens to gather information about alleged corrupt practices and facilitate timely action.
A key focus of the campaign will be to increase public awareness about the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line (ACAL), which can be accessed through WhatsApp at 9501200200. Launched by the Punjab Government in March 2022, the platform enables citizens to submit corruption complaints, including audio and video messages.
The Chief Director said Vigilance Bureau personnel had also taken the integrity pledge at district headquarters across the state. He directed officials to uphold the principles of integrity and confidentiality in both letter and spirit and to maintain strict confidentiality regarding official records.
As part of the public awareness drive, banners will be displayed at prominent public places to spread information about the anti-corruption campaign. These will include contact details of designated vigilance officers, providing citizens with direct channels to report complaints and grievances.
The Bureau will also organise seminars and workshops in educational institutions and other public venues, bringing together distinguished personalities to encourage discussions on ethics, integrity and accountability. Vigilance range officers have been instructed to coordinate with various government departments to expand the reach of the campaign.
Appealing to the public to cooperate with the government and the Vigilance Bureau, Dr. Chauhan said the goal of establishing corruption-free administration depended on collective efforts. He urged citizens to report demands for bribes or other illicit favours through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.
He assured citizens that complaints would be acted upon promptly and that those found involved in corrupt practices or misappropriation would face legal action. He reiterated that the Bureau would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
Providing details of the Bureau’s enforcement record, Dr. Chauhan said that 1,118 corruption cases had been registered between March 2022 and September 30, 2026, while 1,156 accused individuals had been arrested during investigations into these cases.
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