Karwar: Corruption is one of the most pressing issues in the country. A nation steeped in corruption cannot progress. Everyone should come together to advance the nation by rooting out corruption, stated 2nd Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mayanna B.L.

He made these remarks while inaugurating the "Anti-Corruption Awareness Week-2023" program held at the Karwar DC office. The event was organized by the District Administration, District Legal Services Authority, and Karnataka Lokayukta.

Judge Mayanna emphasized that government officials and people's representatives should utilize their roles without expecting rewards for their work. They should diligently serve the public and strive for the nation's progress.

He expressed the belief that it is possible to create a corruption-free country and a just society if government officers provide the deserving with government services and perform their duties honestly.

Additional Senior Civil Judge, Mahantesh S. Dargad, mentioned that Karnataka Lokayukta initiated this program to encourage individuals to pledge their commitment to eliminating corruption with the slogan "Say No to Corruption - Commit to the Nation."

Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner (DC) Gangubai Maankar emphasized that people will appreciate and support government employees if they provide honest services to the public. She stressed that when employees recognize that their role is to serve the public and fulfill their duties, most public transactions will proceed smoothly.

All government officials should remember that they are public servants, and they must acknowledge their responsibilities, address people's issues, and act promptly within the legal framework without engaging in file delays, unnecessary bureaucracy, or soliciting money.

Gram Panchayat CEO Eshwar Kumar Kandu noted that the campaign to raise awareness against corruption should begin with the officials themselves. He underscored that by understanding their duties and performing them honestly, officials can help curb corruption in society.

In his introductory remarks, Lokayukta Superintendent Kumar Chandra explained that corruption encompasses government employees' actions. Any behavior that violates the constitution, legal principles, or ethics is considered corrupt. This includes accepting money, seeking bribes, causing work delays, practicing favoritism, and demonstrating apathy, all falling under the Lokayukta Act's purview.

During the event, attendees took an oath to eradicate corruption.

Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police N. Vishnuvardhan, Additional DC Prakash Rajput, Deputy Divisional Officer Jayalakshmi Rayakode, district-level officials, and other individuals were also present.