Mumbai: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity.” The seminar was graced by Shri Suresh N. Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.

The programme was attended by Shri G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Director, Shri U Dinesh Shanbhag, Chief Vigilance Officer, senior officials, and employees from Head Office, Regional Offices, Training Establishments, Subsidiaries and District Development Managers across the country.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, Shri U Dinesh Shanbhag, Chief Vigilance Officer highlighted Shri Patel’s rich experience in governance, public administration, banking, and vigilance, and acknowledged his significant contribution towards strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability in public institutions.

Addressing the gathering, Shri G S Rawat, DMD, NABARD underscored the importance of vigilance as an instrument of prevention rather than merely a mechanism for detecting irregularities and imposing punitive measures. He called upon all NABARD employees to actively participate in the various activities planned during the campaign period and contribute towards fostering a culture of probity and good governance. He also emphasised the importance of robust systems and procedures as the cornerstone of an effective preventive vigilance framework.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Suresh N. Patel shared valuable insights on the critical role of vigilance in promoting ethical governance, strengthening institutional integrity, and building public trust in organizations. Drawing upon his rich experience as the former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Shri Patel underscored the importance

of vigilance in fostering institutional integrity and good governance, while highlighting the activities to be undertaken by the organisations during the three months Campaign period. He also shared insights on banking frauds, complaint handling framework, and the importance of prudent management of Non-Performing Assets, strict adherence to established systems and procedures, and the need for robust appraisal standards to strengthen institutional integrity, accountability, and good governance.

The seminar concluded with a reaffirmation of NABARD’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of ethical governance in fulfilling its developmental mandate.