National Textile Corporation Limited (NTC Ltd) signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transparency International India (TII) for adopting Integrity Pact (IP). The signing ceremony was attended by Shri K V Chowdary, Central Vigilance Commissioner; Dr. S. K Panda, Secretary, Textiles, and other senior officials from Ministry of Textiles.

Integrity Pact is a tool which ensures that all activities and transactions between a Company or Government Department and their Suppliers are handled in a fair, transparent and corruption-free manner. It prohibits any kind of bribing, favour or any other unethical practice, which is closely monitored by honorary Independent External Monitors (IEMs).

NTC became the 51st Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) and 49th Central PSU to sign MoU with TII. NTC Ltd desires to implement Integrity Pact in over 95% of contracts. The Integrity Pact was prepared as per the guidelines laid down by the Central Vigilance Commission.

Shri P C Vaish, Chairman and Managing Director, NTC Ltd signed the MoU on behalf of their organization and Shri P S Bawa, Chairman, Transparency International India signed on behalf of TII. With the approval of Central Vigilance Commission, Shri Kalyan Chand, Ex Director General, Taxes and Shri Ashok Kumar Tripathi, Ex-Member, Company Board have been appointed Independent External Monitors to oversee the implementation of Integrity Pact at NTC Ltd.

NTC Ltd has been a transparent and fair organization and signing the Integrity Pact will give rejuvenated strength to the organization, said P C Vaish.

Dr. S. K. Panda, Secretary, Textiles said that vigilance is important for the health of any organization, more so in the public sector, since public money is involved. He said that one should follow rules and guidelines, and that where any deviation is made in organizational interest, the rationale for such deviation should be recorded in writing. He also highlighted the need for building strong systems, especially by the use of technology.

Addressing the gathering, Shri K V Chowdary, Central Vigilance Commissioner said that Independent External Monitors (IEMs) should not be seen as umpires but as guidance providers. IEMs are there to throw light on the issues faced by vendors and advise the management regarding the same. He further added that any vendor who has a genuine grievance can approach the IEM.

Observing that the signing of the MoU was a momentous step for NTC, Shri Chowdary said that the adoption of the Integrity Pact will formalize the various measures being undertaken by NTC to bring in fairness and transparency.