In observation of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, from October 28 to November 3, State Bank of India, Regional Business Office Dimapur, organized a program at Unity College on Wednesday, under the theme “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity.”
Speaking at the program, SBI Regional manager SLBC Convenor, Hubert Wungshim underscored the importance of vigilance mentioning that Vigilance Awareness Week serves as a reminder to be watchful, proactive, and committed to integrity. He said vigilance was essential for transparency, accountability, and good governance, protecting against corruption and fraud.
He highlighted the key pillars of vigilance: transparency, accountability, integrity, and ethics, encouraging everyone to stay informed, question suspicious actions, and report irregularities. He emphasized that collective vigilance strengthens institutions and promotes national growth.
From the SBI perspective, he stressed the need for customers to take precautions when sharing personal credentials, mentioned the benefits of the YONO app, and reassured that the bank never requests PINs or OTPs. He addressed the threat of cybercrime, including online scams.
He acknowledged that corruption hinders national progress and emphasized the need for collaboration among all sectors to combat it. He called on citizens to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Further, he presented a pledge to adhere to probity, reject bribery, act transparently in the public interest, led by example, and report corruption incidents to the appropriate agencies.
SBI, Chief Manager (Operations), Hriipunii Alpha Pou acknowledged the importance of financial literacy in combating scams.
He explained that Vigilance Awareness Week, established in 1999, commemorates birth day of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and focuses on integrity for national prosperity. He outlined three types of vigilance: preventive, participative, and punitive, emphasizing their significance in preventing corruption.
He also discussed the rise of cybercrime, encouraging everyone to safeguard their personal information and be cautious of phishing attempts. He also warned against becoming a “money mule,” where individuals unknowingly allow their accounts to be used for illegal activities.
Altogether, seven schools and colleges participated in the program, which featured a quiz and an essay competition. The quiz included 10 questions for students, and each participant received an award.
18 students took part in the essay competition, where Tongtinaro Imchen from Lima Aier Higher Secondary School won 1st place, Benri Odyuo from Christian Higher Secondary School took 2nd, and Chungo Lawrence from Pranab Vidhyapith Higher Secondary School and Mansha M Walim from Lima Aier Higher Secondary School tied for 3rd. They all received cash prizes and certificates. Earlier, the program was chaired by Manager, Regional Business Office, Dimapur, Sungjemmenla I Aier.