Why Scams are Here to Stay

Prof(Col.) N. Ram Gopal

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Corruption in India today is pervasive, omnipresent and diverse, covering every branch of the Indian state and key sectors of the economy. Far from declining and fading away, as predicted, with deregulation and liberalization, it has increased exponentially in the twenty-first century at all levels—central, state and local. It can be seen today as a normal, not a pathological, condition within the political economy. In several states, corruption involving politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and in some cases, criminal elements has graduated to a new qualitative stage, transforming itself into a well-oiled, rule- and rate-bound and self-propelled system of collecting and sharing the illicit spoils of office. In this seminal book, N. Ram, who led the investigation into the Bofors grand corruption scandal, attempts to get a measure of ‘political corruption’ in contemporary India and explains why it has become an intractable problem.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Root Causes of Corruption: The book may explore the root causes of corruption, examining factors such as weak governance structures, lack of transparency, institutional deficiencies, and moral degradation within society.

  2. Political and Economic Context: It may discuss the political and economic context in which corruption thrives, highlighting how factors such as crony capitalism, patronage networks, and regulatory capture contribute to the perpetuation of scams.

  3. Role of Institutions: The book might analyze the role of institutions, including government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and regulatory authorities, in either combating or perpetuating corruption, emphasizing the need for institutional reform and strengthening.

  4. Culture of Impunity: It may address the culture of impunity that often surrounds corrupt practices, wherein perpetrators feel emboldened to engage in unethical behavior due to a perceived lack of consequences or accountability.

  5. Impact on Society: The book could explore the broader societal implications of corruption and scams, including the erosion of public trust in institutions, economic inefficiencies, social inequalities, and the undermining of democratic principles.

  6. Technological Challenges: Given the modern landscape, it may touch upon the challenges posed by technological advancements in facilitating new forms of corruption, such as cybercrimes, money laundering, and digital fraud schemes.

  7. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: It may discuss the effectiveness of existing legal and regulatory frameworks in deterring corruption, highlighting areas for reform and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.

  8. Role of Civil Society: The book might emphasize the importance of civil society activism, media scrutiny, and public awareness in holding accountable those engaged in corrupt practices and advocating for transparency and accountability measures.

  9. International Dimensions: Given the global nature of corruption, it may examine international efforts to combat cross-border corruption, including initiatives by international organizations, bilateral agreements, and anti-corruption conventions.

  10. Hope for Change: Finally, the book may offer insights into potential solutions and strategies for addressing corruption and preventing future scams, emphasizing the collective responsibility of citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders in fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

Language English
ISBN-13 ‎ 9789384067311
No of pages 232
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Aleph Book Company
Published Date 13 Jul 2017

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