Cooperative institutions across the country have begun observing Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, from October 26 to November 1, with a renewed emphasis on integrity, transparency and accountability under the theme “Probity for Prosperity”.
The Ministry of Cooperation, NAFED and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) have initiated activities to promote ethical conduct and strengthen vigilance mechanisms within their respective organisations.
On October 26, Shiv Pal Singh, Joint Secretary and Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS), Ministry of Cooperation, chaired a workshop and sensitisation session on preventive vigilance at Atal Akshaya Urja Bhawan in New Delhi.
The session examined key aspects of preventive vigilance, including the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, standards of conduct, conflict of interest, transparency and accountability. Discussions also focused on strengthening preventive vigilance mechanisms and encouraging ethical practices in public service.
Pankaj Kumar Bansal, Additional Secretary, Dr Mukesh Kumar, Director, and other officers and employees of the Ministry, including the CRCS office, attended the workshop.
The session reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to upholding integrity, promoting transparency and strengthening institutional accountability for effective governance.
Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) is observing the week under the same theme. As part of the programme, its Chief Vigilance Officer administered the Integrity Pledge to senior officials and employees, who reiterated their commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in their professional responsibilities.
The National Cooperative Development Corporation has also launched its observance through the Laxmanrao
Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC) in Gurugram.
On October 26, LINAC-NCDC Director General Manoj Kumar administered the integrity pledge to officers and employees at the academy’s premises. He also shared details of activities and programmes planned throughout the week.
The observance assumes significance for the cooperative sector, which is expanding its role in agricultural marketing, rural credit, dairy, fisheries and other economic activities. As cooperative institutions increasingly handle public resources and serve millions of members, transparent decision-making, responsible financial management and strong internal controls remain essential to sustaining public trust.
Vigilance Awareness Week provides an opportunity for cooperative organisations to move beyond compliance and make ethical governance an integral part of their daily functioning. Preventive vigilance, timely action on irregularities and accountability at every level can help strengthen institutions and ensure that cooperative growth translates into greater public welfare.
