Vigilance Awareness: CVC lauds ONGC for transparency initiatives

New Delhi: Central Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N Patel has appreciated the efforts of Energy Maharatna Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for the latter's digitalisation initiatives like the introduction of the Vendor Invoice Management System (VIMS). CVC was addressing ONGC employees during the launch of the Vigilance Awareness Week at the ONGC Delhi office on October 26. Patel noted that such initiatives not only establish the good governance practices of ONGC but also boosts the national economy.

CVC noted that for better governance, organisations should focus more on preventive vigilance. "While there should be zero tolerance for corruption cases, errors should be viewed on merit." Patel also lauded ONGC for having almost nil pending vigilance cases, noting that "it is a best-in-class HR practice to complete cases within the stipulated time."

Referring to the recently introduced Public Interest Disclosure & Protection of Informers (PIDPI) policy, Patel said to capture the merits in some anonymous and pseudonymous complaints being filed at the CVC,  the government has introduced this approach in which the identity of the complainant will be known to just a handful of persons.

ONGC CMD Subhash Kumar noted that the presence of the CVC on the very first day of the Vigilance Awareness Week is the acknowledgement of ONGC's positive role in vigilance administration. CMD said that integrity and transparency are very important for any professional workplace to inspire confidence among business partners. Citing the theme of this year as quite apt and pragmatic, Mr Kumar urged all PSUs to rise to the call of the CVC and collectively work towards self-reliance in a transparent way. He noted that eliminating discretion in decision-making is a vital step to eradicate corruption. ONGC CMD asserted that ONGC has reduced discretionary powers to the bare minimum. "We need to transit from a system of First among Equals to Equal among Equals," he said.

ONGC has lined up a number of initiatives this week to spread Vigilance Awareness among all stakeholders.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)