Punjab Vigilance Bureau Observes Awareness Week; 1,118 corruption cases registered since 2022
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 27, 2026: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from October 26 to November 1 under the theme “Probity for Prosperity”, with a renewed appeal to citizens to report bribery and corruption through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.
The bureau said it had registered 1,118 corruption cases and arrested 1,156 accused from March 2022 to September 30, 2026, as part of its action against corruption.
To mark the awareness week, officers and officials of the bureau took an integrity pledge at its headquarters in Mohali, reaffirming their commitment to transparency and a corruption-free administration.
The pledge was administered by Swarandeep Singh, Joint Director, IVC and SU, in the presence of Dr Sharad Satya Chauhan, Special Director General of Police-cum-Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Joint Directors Prabhjot Kaur and Deyama Harish Kumar Omprakash, and DIG Harpreet Singh of the Economic Offences Wing.
Public Outreach to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Drive
Dr Sharad Satya Chauhan said the week-long campaign aimed to sensitise citizens about their role in identifying and reporting corruption in public offices.
He said Senior Superintendents of Police across Vigilance Bureau ranges had been directed to organise outreach programmes in rural and urban areas of every district. Officials have also been asked to interact with citizens and gather information about alleged corrupt practices.
The bureau will display awareness banners at prominent public places, featuring contact details of designated vigilance officers to help people report complaints. Seminars and workshops will also be organised in educational institutions and other public places to promote integrity and ethical conduct.
Citizens Asked to Report Bribery on WhatsApp
The bureau has urged citizens to report demands for bribes and other corrupt practices through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line (ACAL) on WhatsApp at 9501200200.
Launched by the Punjab government in March 2022, the platform enables citizens to submit complaints, including audio and video messages, relating to corruption.
Chauhan said complaints would be acted upon and warned that those found involved in corrupt practices would face legal action. He also directed vigilance personnel to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of official records and follow the pledge in letter and spirit.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Vigilance Bureau said it would continue to pursue its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and called for public cooperation in establishing transparent governance.
Vigilance Awareness Week is observed annually during the week in which the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on October 31, falls. The nationwide observance is aligned with the initiative of the Central Vigilance Commission.