Southern Railway is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 27th October to 2nd November 2025. The objective of this annual observance is to foster integrity and transparency through a participative approach, promoting awareness among railway employees, rail users, and the general public about the causes and consequences of corruption. The theme for this year is “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.”

The inaugural event was held on 27th October 2025, at Southern Railway Headquarters, Chennai, organized by the Vigilance Department. Hon’ble Justice Shri P. Rajamanickam, Chairperson, Lokayukta, Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, and Principal Heads of Departments attended the function. Divisional Railway Managers of all six divisions and Chief Workshop Managers of field units joined the event through video conferencing. Shri V. R. Lenin, Sr. Dy General Manager and Chief Vigilance Officer/Southern Railway, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the achievements of Southern Railway Vigilance Department during the last year (2024) and current year till date.

In his inaugural address, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, stated that the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the critical role that vigilance plays in thwarting corruption and establishing moral principles in the workplace.  Citing that observing Vigilance is to “Lead, Alert and Watch,” he outlined various digitalisation measures adopted by Indian Railways such as e-procurement, e-tenders, digital payments, Human Resource Management System (HRMS), RailMadad and e-catering, which have enhanced efficiency and transparency. He emphasized that the collective participation of citizens, government, and officials is vital, as vigilance is everyone’s shared responsibility.

Chief Guest Shri P. Rajamanickam, in his keynote address, outlined the provisions of various Acts framed by the Central and State Governments to address corruption, misconduct, bribery, and misappropriation of funds. He stressed that integrity should be practiced by one and all, and commended Southern Railway’s proactive steps in grievance redressal through platforms.   He appreciated the use of technology, preventive vigilance checks, and systemic improvements that have collectively enhanced the efficiency of railway operations.

As part of Vigilance Awareness Week, the Vigilance wing of Southern Railway released Integrity Bulletin 2025, an in-house publication to disseminate best practices, case studies, and lessons learned from vigilance cases and preventive checks.

Apart from the Integrity bulletin, three handbooks designed to strengthen field-level vigilance and awareness were released by the Chief Guest and the General Manager:

1. Preventive Vigilance: Check-list for Civil Engineering Works – A ready reckoner for Officers and SSEs, detailing essential parameters for verification during civil works to ensure uniformity, transparency, and accountability.
2. Information Capsule on Allowances – Do’s & Don’ts – A concise reference outlining eligibility criteria, documentation norms, and preventive measures to reduce ambiguity and ensure propriety in allowance claims.
3. Handbook on ESI (Employee’s State Insurance) – A practical guide on ESI compliance in Railway contracts, aimed at improving awareness among officials and contractors regarding statutory obligations.

A series of activities, including seminars, Quiz competitions, outreach campaigns, and pledge-taking ceremonies, are planned across all divisions and workshops of Southern Railway throughout the Vigilance Awareness Week to reinforce the message that vigilance is a shared and continuous responsibility.

Source/SR