The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” at its Head Office in Mumbai on 25 August 2026. The programme was held as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026, being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026 under the theme “Probity for Prosperity.”
The seminar was graced by Suresh N. Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker. Senior NABARD officials and employees from its Head Office, Regional Offices, Training Establishments, subsidiaries and District Development Managers across the country participated in the programme.
Emphasis on Preventive Vigilance
Welcoming the keynote speaker, U. Dinesh Shanbhag, Chief Vigilance Officer, NABARD, highlighted Shri Patel’s extensive experience in governance, public administration, banking and vigilance. He also acknowledged his contribution towards strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in public institutions.
Addressing the gathering, G. S. Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, emphasised that vigilance should serve primarily as a preventive mechanism, rather than being limited to detecting irregularities and taking punitive action.
He called upon NABARD employees to actively participate in the various activities planned during the three-month campaign and contribute towards developing a stronger culture of probity and good governance.
Rawat also stressed that robust systems and well-defined procedures are fundamental to building an effective preventive vigilance framework.
Keynote Highlights Ethical Governance
Delivering the keynote address, Suresh N. Patel spoke about the critical role of vigilance in promoting ethical governance, strengthening institutional integrity and building public confidence.
Drawing on his experience as the former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Patel highlighted the importance of maintaining strong institutional systems and accountability mechanisms. He also discussed key areas including banking frauds, complaint-handling frameworks, prudent management of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), adherence to established procedures and robust appraisal standards.
He further outlined activities that organisations can undertake during the Vigilance Awareness Campaign to reinforce ethical practices and strengthen governance frameworks.
Strengthening Institutional Integrity
The seminar provided a platform for NABARD officials and employees to reflect on the importance of vigilance in supporting responsible institutional functioning.
Discussions around fraud prevention, complaint management, asset quality and procedural compliance highlighted the need for a proactive approach to governance, particularly within financial institutions that play a critical role in India’s development ecosystem.
The programme concluded with a reaffirmation of NABARD’s commitment to transparency, accountability and high standards of ethical governance as it continues to fulfil its developmental mandate.