Unwavering Commitment to Integrity: Awdhesh Singh's Measures Against Corruption
Awdhesh Singh, a seasoned government official, has made a steadfast commitment to combatting corruption within his jurisdiction. Over two and a half decades of service, he has taken decisive actions against corrupt officers, ensuring transparency and ethical conduct within his purview. His methods and commitment to integrity are highlighted through various instances, in which he demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing corruption long before other agencies were involved.
Proactive Measures Against Corruption
Awdhesh Singh believes in the adage ldquo;Prevention is better than curerdquo;. Throughout his career, he has been consistently proactive in identifying and rectifying corrupt practices among his officers. He ensures that any instance of malpractice is addressed promptly, often long before it escalates into something more severe. This approach has earned him respect within his professional circle, as he consistently protects the reputation and integrity of his organization.
Historical Context and Ethical Values
To illustrate the prevalent attitude of many government officials and politicians, Awdhesh Singh narrates a historical story often presented in the light-and-sound-show at Lal Kila, Red Fort. In this tale, two washermen (dhobis) receive a message from the emperor that his kingdom does not extend beyond the fort. This analogy reflects the narrow-minded belief among some officials that they are only accountable for issues that come to their notice within their office premises.
Awdhesh Singh emphasizes the importance of integrity that extends beyond personal moral standards to encompass organizational values. He argues that an honest individual, like India's former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, can still be part of a corrupt system due to the lack of collective accountability and oversight. His strong stance against corruption is evident in his numerous actions against corrupt officers, ensuring that no one can escape accountability within his purview.
Examples of Actions Against Corruption
One notable instance occurred during his tenure as the Deputy Commissioner of Customs in Ahmedabad from 2000 to 2002. A source informed him of certain officers undervaluing goods imported via unaccompanied baggage to evade custom duties. Upon his surprise verification, he suspended four officers and initiated a departmental inquiry. Despite protests and resistance from other officers, he remained firm in his decision, transferring two officers and debarring the remaining two.
His commitment to integrity and proactive measures extended even further. During his tenure as the Director General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), he rewarded over Rs 2.5 crore in less than two years, recognizing the efforts of honest and dedicated officers. However, this was balanced by his tough stance against corruption, as seen in his recent repatriation of a senior officer due to reports of corruption.
Conclusion
Through these examples, it is evident that Awdhesh Singh's commitment to integrity and proactive measures against corruption have significantly impacted the image and operations of his department. His actions highlight the importance of ethical leadership and collective accountability in ensuring a corruption-free environment. Whether through concrete actions or powerful messages, his legacy as a defender of integrity remains solid.
Awdhesh Singh's Videos on YouTube