Students can play a key role in curbing corruption: BPCL official

Students have an important role to play in curbing corruption by remaining vigilant and upholding integrity, particularly as they enter the workforce and assume greater responsibilities as citizens, Plant Manager, LPG Division of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Varun Singh has said.

He was speaking at a Vigilance Awareness programme organised at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Dharwad on Friday as part of Vigilance Awareness Week.

Mr. Singh stressed the need to educate young people about the consequences of corruption and their responsibility in building a corruption-free India.

The country’s resources should be utilised effectively for its planned development and growth, he said.

Pointing out that people sometimes resort to bribery to avoid penalties, including traffic challans, he urged students to reflect on their own conduct and refrain from encouraging corrupt practices.

He also highlighted the importance of young voters in promoting clean governance. As students will soon become voters, they should exercise their franchise responsibly and choose candidates with integrity, he said.

Referring to the changing sources of information, Mr. Singh said that while students of earlier generations depended largely on newspapers and magazines, the present generation has access to smart phones and social media where misinformation and fake news also circulated.

He advised students to remain discerning and verify information before accepting or sharing it.

He said that educating young minds can have a wider impact, as students can carry the message of vigilance and integrity to their families and the larger community.

In-charge Principal M. Lokanthan administered the integrity pledge and thanked BPCL for organising the programme at the school.

Students Deepak, Tanu Kumar and Kruti spoke on the significance of Vigilance Awareness Week.

Operations Manager, BPCL, Alraz and Librarian R. Raghavendra were present. Teachers Mahantesh and G.R. Maskere coordinated the event.