Anti-corruption campaign in schools

A CBI workshop at St. James’ School. Picture by Sayantan Ghosh The fight against corruption has reached the school classroom. The CBSE has asked schools to organise activities to spread awareness among students against corruption and several ICSE schools have already done so. A CBSE circular, issued on September 16, proposes a vigilance awareness week in schools every year. The board also wants comics on historical personalities who have stood up against corruption and jingles for students in classes VI to VIII; tour of RTI offices, gram sabhas and village panchayats, and one-act plays, short films and documentaries by students in classes IX and X; and a national debate competition for students in classes XI and XII. “Children must spare a thought for what plagues society. Even if they are later lured into making a mistake, they should know its pros and cons. Its important to tell them about corruption in school because the message then reaches their family’s dining table,” said Reeta Chatterjee, the principal of the Apeejay Schools. According to the circular, the week beginning October 31 should be observed as Vigilance Awareness Week to commemorate the birthday of Sardar Patel. Birla High School for Boys is planning debates and extempore speaking on corruption. “Such activities keep students abreast of current affairs and helps them understand the problems affecting the country,” said principal Mukta Nain. Apeejay School has planned one-act plays and Mahadevi Birla Girls short films on corruption. Lakshmipat Singhania Academy has incorporated a campaign against bribery in the life skill class. “Our students make films on the topic. These might be on something as basic as people spitting on the road,” said Meena Kak, the principal of the school. Among ICSE schools, St. James’ has hosted a vigilance awareness workshop by the CBI. St Stephen’s School, Dum Dum, and St. Thomas’ School for Boys and Girls will follow suit. “This is a plan by the Centre. In Calcutta, we will conduct workshops in about 20 schools. The project would culminate in the anti-corruption day on December 9. Students will write essays and make posters on corruption. The best entries will win prizes,” said Arun Bothra, DIG, CBI, Calcutta. The campaign started at St. James’ with Bothra and S.R. Mazumdar, superintendent, anti-corruption bureau, addressing students on corruption and ways to combat it. CBI workshops on corruption have also been held at the Kendriya Vidyalayas in Fort William and Salt Lake. Patha Bhavan and Hare School, under the state board, plans to host such workshops.