“Working with honesty and integrity in government is essential to fulfilling the very purpose of celebrating Vigilance Week,” said Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function held at the Secretariat’s Seminar Hall, Porvorim.
The event, organized by the Directorate of Vigilance, marked the beginning of Vigilance Week 2025 under the theme “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.” The observance commemorates the birth anniversary of India’s former Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who championed the values of accountability and service.
Dr. Candavelou emphasized that vigilance aims to ensure good, effective, and corruption-free governance. He noted that the celebration of Vigilance Week provides an opportunity to review policies, reassess administrative practices, and rededicate oneself to the ethical norms of serving people honestly.
In his address, Amarsen Rane, Director of the Department of Vigilance, stated that the government exists to serve people, and that public servants must remain vigilant, guided by conscience and the mission of the administration. “Vigilance means keeping a watchful eye on activities of personnel and taking prompt action to promote fair practices and integrity in official transactions,” he said.
Dr. Candavelou administered the oath of vigilance, reaffirming the commitment of all attendees to uphold honesty and transparency in their work. The event also featured a skit presented by artists from the Department of Art and Culture, illustrating the importance of vigilance in everyday governance.
As part of the observance, the Vigilance Department organized several public engagement activities, including skit and poster-making competitions, along with a state-level elocution competition featuring participants from colleges across Goa.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information and Publicity) S. S. Gill, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) Sandip Jaques, IAS, Secretary (Protocol) Sanjiv Gadkar, IAS, Secretary (Co-operation) Yatin Maralkar, IAS, and other departmental heads and staff members.
Vigilance Week serves as a reminder for public servants to introspect, reaffirm ethical conduct, and promote accountability in governance. As Dr. Candavelou highlighted, the celebration is not just symbolic but an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of public trust and uphold the values of integrity that define India’s administrative spirit.
