DARHAL, Oct 28: Government Degree College (GDC) Darhal observed Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 by organising a debate competition and a panel discussion on anti-corruption to sensitise students about the causes and consequences of corruption and promote integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public life.
The programme, being observed from October 26 to November 1, was organised under the aegis of the College Cultural and Literary Committee under the patronage and guidance of Principal Prof. Zamir Ahmed Mirza. The initiative aimed to familiarise students with the importance of vigilance in public administration and highlight the collective responsibility of citizens in combating corruption.
The debate competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing different semesters. Participants presented their views on various aspects of corruption, including bribery, misuse of public funds, nepotism and lack of transparency. They emphasised the need for ethical conduct, effective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, transparent administrative procedures and responsible citizenship.
The competition also provided students with an opportunity to develop their public-speaking skills, critical thinking, logical reasoning and ability to present arguments on issues of public importance. The discussions highlighted how corrupt practices can undermine democratic institutions, weaken public trust, obstruct social justice and hamper national development.
A panel discussion formed another key component of the programme, bringing attention to the challenges of corruption and possible measures to address them. The discussion focused on strengthening institutional accountability, improving transparency in public services, ensuring effective implementation of anti-corruption laws and encouraging the use of the Right to Information Act, 2005, as a tool for promoting openness in governance.
The panellists also highlighted the importance of moral education and integrity in professional life, stressing that educational institutions have a significant role in nurturing honesty, discipline and accountability among young people.
The discussion underlined that combating corruption requires collective efforts beyond government institutions. Citizens, public servants, educational institutions and civil society must work together to promote ethical practices and strengthen accountability. Students were encouraged to demonstrate honesty in their academic and personal lives, recognising that individual integrity is essential for building a just and transparent society.
The programme witnessed the participation of faculty members, including Prof. Ghulam Abbas, Dr. Taseem Ahmed, Dr. Mohd. Akhlaq, Prof. Anzar Ahmed, Dr. Mohd. Shakoor, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Dr. Faheem Ul Haq, Dr. Hilal Tantray, Dr. Musheer ul Hasan, Dr. Atta Ul Rehman Malik and Dr. Tariq Bhat, along with other teaching and non-teaching staff members and students.
The observance reaffirmed Government Degree College Darhal’s commitment to fostering ethical values, civic awareness and social responsibility among students. The programme concluded with a collective resolve to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability and probity in public life, reinforcing the message that the foundation of a corruption-free society lies in individual honesty and collective responsibility.