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Corruption remains one of the major obstacles to the nation’s economic and social development and efforts to root it out must begin early by instilling anti-corruption values among children, said Upalokayukta B. Veerappa. He was speaking after inaugurating an Anti-Corruption Awareness Week event organised at the district administration’s auditorium in Koppal on Thursday. As part of the programme, there was also a hearing of pending cases. “Corruption is eating into the foundations of our nation’s progress. To eradicate it, we must start early by nurturing anti-corruption values among children. Every child must grow up believing that honesty and integrity are not options but duties,” Mr. Veerappa said. He observed that while people are aware of what corruption means, many still participate in it, directly or indirectly. “Accepting a bribe is a crime but giving one is no less an offence. Corruption is not just about money changing hands. It includes maladministration and nepotism as well. If we wish to build a fair society, self-awareness and personal discipline are the first steps,” he emphasised. Expressing concern over the persistence of corruption despite rising literacy and awareness, Mr. Veerappa remarked that authority is not a licence for corruption. “Before Independence, our literacy rate was barely 18% and today, it is over 80%, yet corruption cases are on the rise. This is not ignorance but greed and moral decline among the educated,” he said. He underlined the importance of Constitutional values by stating that the Constitution is supreme and no one is above it and no law can override it. “Every educated person must read and understand the Constitution, which guarantees equality, liberty and justice for all. We must use these rights lawfully and perform our duties with sincerity,” he said. Mr. Veerappa also instructed officials from all departments, including Health, Zilla Panchayat and other government agencies, to remain available at their headquarters during working hours to serve the public effectively. He directed department heads to issue circulars ensuring doctors and officials are accessible when citizens seek their services. He further advised that APMC workers, construction labour and delivery staff be brought under appropriate insurance coverage through their respective departments. Transparency Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal, in his address, urged officials and employees to rise above personal interests and nepotism and to provide transparent public service. “Public service must contribute to the development of the State and the nation. Delivering government benefits to rightful beneficiaries is the foremost duty and responsibility of every officer,” he said. On the occasion, Mr. Veerappa released posters and brochures of the Anti-Corruption Awareness Week – 2025, jointly organised by the District Legal Services Authority, the district administration, the Zilla Panchayat and the Lokayukta. He also administered an anti-corruption pledge, urging participants to commit themselves to honesty and transparency in public life. Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DSLA), Koppal, Chandrashekhar C., Senior Civil Judge and Member-Secretary of DLSA Mahantesh S. Dargad, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Varnit Negi, Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi and others attended the event.
