‘Penalty for corruption not enough; character, values will help weed it out’

Postal staff take ‘integrity’ pledge

[caption id="attachment_279969" align="alignleft" width="250"] Lalramzauva addresses his staff and officials, on October 28 during the Vigilance Awareness Week programme in Kohima.[/caption] Our correspondent Kohima, Oct. 28 (EMN):  People can be penalised for violation of rules that regulate an establishment but it is not enough and it is not the proper solution, according to an official of India Post addressing a Vigilance Awareness programme in the capital town, Kohima. However, the character of a person that values self respect, responsibility, self-reliance and probity are some of the vital tools that help in preventing or eradicating corruption, says Lalramzauva, the superintendent of Posts, Nagaland division. The Superintendent of Posts at Kohima started the Vigilance Awareness Week 2019 with the theme ‘integrity a way of life.’ The event was launched on October 28 at the establishment’s head office. The programme pledges to maintain the ‘highest standards of integrity, transparency and good governance in all aspects of operations.’ Delivering a speech on the theme of Vigilance Awareness Week, Lalramzauva said, “Everything will be okay if the kingdom of God which is within us is functional, operational; and in active mode.” The official highlighted various forms of corruption. He said, “The way of undertaking may perhaps vary in one way or the other in the form of bribery, extortion, nepotism, embezzlement as the form of corruption is different.” He expressed the need for public awareness and motivation to undertake collective efforts to prevent and weed out corruption. He spoke about the effect of corruption. “Corruption has undermined our democracy, economic development, our environment and much more,” he said. Laramzauva warned the department’s staff against violation and infringement of rules and regulations. In the event of violation they will be liable for penal action and punishment, he said. “This is not, however, not a proper solution rather dragging unbearable sequences.” “We have to have, being working in the organisation, being a loyal government servant, being a believer of above, to inculcate correct concept and attitude among the youngsters and junior staff for weeding out corruption,” Laramzauva said. The official asserted that self respect, the sense of responsibility, self-reliance, punctuality and probity are the vital tools to doing away with corruption. The ‘pledge of integrity’ was administered to the staff by the postmaster of Kohima post office, Kevilekho Angami. Members of the staff affirmed the pledge besides signing it.