Ethics and Transparency
Ethics
Ever since its inception in 1951, IIT Kharagpur has upheld the highest ethical standards and the Institute has formalized a set of ethical values and a distinct code of conduct. High levels of integrity are expected and practiced by the IIT Kharagpur community. The top administration involving the Director, Deputy Director and Deans respond swiftly to any ethical issues that are brought to their notice.
To ensure that ethics in research are maintained, an Institute Ethical Committee (IEC) exists with representation from senior faculty members and administrators.
IIT Kharagpur promotes progressive and creative thinking in its students while setting clear codes of conduct. Violations can result in disciplinary actions.
Transparency
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy
As part of the IIT system, IIT Kharagpur strictly follows the guidelines of the Central Vigilance Commission, Government of India.
Objective of Vigilance Policy
The basic objective of the Vigilance Policy at IIT Kharagpur is to promote Integrity and Transparency in the entire functioning of the Institute at all levels. It helps in eradicating the bribery and corruption issues. It also empowers the compliance towards the directions and requirements of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Government of India and Ministry of Education (MoE), Govt. of India.
Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO)
The Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the Institute is appointed as per the guidelines of the Chief Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Ministry of Education, GoI. The CVO is entrusted to eradicate the existence of bribery and corruption in the Institute. The CVO is required to function as per the guidelines provided by the CVC on the matters pertaining to vigilance. https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/department/PH/faculty/ph-physkr
Roles and responsibilities of CVO
The CVO plays a crucial role in ensuring ethical conduct, compliance with laws and regulations, and preventing fraudulent activities within IIT KGP. Here are some common roles and responsibilities of a CVO at IIT KGP:
1. Policy Development and Implementation
Develop and implement policies and procedures related to ethics, integrity, and compliance. Ensure all employees are aware of and adhere to these policies.
2. Compliance Oversight
Monitor and enforce compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies. Stay updated on relevant laws and regulations affecting the organization.
3. Training and Education
Conduct training programs for employees to raise awareness about compliance and ethics. Educate employees about their roles and responsibilities concerning compliance.
4. Investigations
Investigate reports of violations of policies, codes of conduct, or laws. Conduct internal investigations, interviews, and gather evidence when necessary.
5. Risk Assessment
Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk within the organization. Develop and implement corrective action plans to mitigate risks.
6. Reporting and Documentation
Prepare regular reports for senior management and the board regarding compliance activities. Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of compliance activities and investigations.
7. Whistleblower Protection
Establish and oversee a confidential hotline or other reporting mechanisms for employees to report violations anonymously. Ensure protection for whistleblowers and investigate reports received through these channels.
8. Collaboration
Collaborate with internal departments to ensure that compliance processes are integrated into business operations. Work with legal counsel as necessary to resolve compliance issues.
9. Ethical Leadership
Serve as a role model by demonstrating ethical behaviour and integrity. Promote a culture of ethics and compliance throughout the organization.
10. Audit Support
Assist internal and external auditors in their reviews and audits related to compliance matters. Address audit findings and implement necessary changes.
11. Continuous Improvement
Regularly assess the effectiveness of the compliance program and recommend improvements. Stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in compliance and ethics.
12. Communication
Foster open communication channels within the organization regarding compliance concerns. Communicate changes in regulations or policies to relevant stakeholders.
Vigilance Awareness Week
IIT KGP observes Vigilance Awareness Week every year. The week-long programme starts with all the employees of the institution taking the Integrity Pledge. With a true spirit of participative vigilance, Central Vigilance Commission reaffirms its resolve to fight corruption and ensure integrity with the year's theme, "भ्रष्टाचार मुक्त भारत - विकसित भारत/Corruption free India for a developed Nation". During the week, awareness is created regarding common issues related to vigilance with the purpose to sensitize the public against the menace of corruption. Posters and banners are displayed at the prominent places of the Institute to spread awareness regarding common issues related to vigilance towards weeding out corruption and unethical practices.
Independent External Monitors (IEMs)
IIT Kharagpur values a corruption-free procurement process and full compliance with all relevant laws of the land, rules, regulations, economic use of resources and of fairness/transparency in its relations with its Bidder(s) and/ or Contractor(s) in any tendering process. To achieve this, the IIT KGP has appointed Independent External Monitors (IEMs) who shall monitor the tender process and the execution of the contract for compliance with the principles.
(https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/Independent-External-Monitors-IEMs)
One such sample tender document is attached to showcase the implementation of IEMs in institute tendering policy.
(https://iitkgp.ac.in/assets/pdf/tenders/11590CorriIITCICNETWORKUPGRADEPhase220232407C.pdf)
All information relevant to the public or addressed under the Right to Information Act is available on the Institute’s website: (https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/right-to-information). All academic and administrative activities are now conducted through ERP system for greater transparency and promoting e-office. Institute financial reports are available using the following link: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/annual-reports.
