Global Anti-Corruption Champion: Nikhil Dey, an Indian social activist, is named by the US State Department
Dec. 8, Washington, DC, USA: The US State Department has designated Indian social activist Nikhil Dey as an International Anti-Corruption Champion.
According to the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Dey is recognized as an Anti-Corruption Champion for his significant contribution to social movements that challenge corruption in government welfare programs in India by promoting openness and accountability, public audits, and participatory democracy.
The co-founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), Dey’s work led to transparency and anti-corruption reforms in India, helping the state of Rajasthan pioneer public policies to increase transparency and accountability.
The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, is a people’s Organisation that works with workers and peasants in the villages of Central Rajasthan. It was set up by the people of the area in 1990 to strengthen participatory democratic processes, so that ordinary citizens could live their lives with dignity and justice. The organisation was born out of a struggle for community land held illegally by a landlord.
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti wrote on ‘X’: “Congratulations to Nikhil Dey, a founding member of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, for being named an International Anti-Corruption Champion by the @StateDept.”
“The United States stands with champions like Dey who work for transparency, rule of law, and justice,” Garcetti said.
The International Anti-Corruption Champion Awards (ACCA) recognise people who work to promote accountability and transparency.
Meanwhile, US State Secretary Antony Blinken on Thursday (US local time) said the State Department is committed to countering corruption and promoting integrity as a foreign policy priority and core national security interest.
“On the eve of International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9, the United States is proud to honour the individuals and institutions championing transparency, accountability, integrity, and good governance worldwide,” Blinken said while honouring Global Anti-Corruption Champions.
The US State Secretary launched the International Anti-Corruption Champions Award in 2021 to recognise individuals who have taken remarkable steps to counter corruption and to demonstrate US solidarity with these heroic partners.
As many as 11 International Anti-Corruption Champions for 2023 were recognised on Thursday (US local time).
“Today, we honor the 11 International Anti-Corruption Champions for 2023 as well as everyone who works to uphold press freedom, accountability, and the rule of law. Stanislau Ivashkevich from Belarus, Jean-Claude Mputu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Arturo Torres from Ecuador, Nikhil Dey from India, Ali (Mukhammedali) Toktakunov from the Kyrgyz Republic, Marc N. Kollie from Liberia, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru from Moldova, Vladimir Novovic from Montenegro, Annette Planells from Panama, Francisco Belo Simoes da Costa of Timor-Leste, and May De Silva from the Seychelles are the recipients of honors. Blinken stated on Thursday, “It is an honor to fight corruption with allies like these.
