Goverment In India

by T.S.R. Subramanian

In a sense, this is a sequel to the author's earlier book Journeys through Babudom and Netaland; both covering the theme of issues of governance in India. GovernMint in India: An Inside View treats the subject analytically, with the incisive eye of an insider. The instruments of governance and their components are subjected to nicro-analysis in terms of their past performance; the macro results of these actions have been summarised.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Anil Swarup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite depressing and a trifle disappointing too. Specially coming from someone who has been the Chief Secretary of the most populous state, Secretary to Government of India and finally the Cabinet Secretary. What is the message that is being sought to be conveyed by someone who occupied these offices? He doesn't mention anything about how he attempted to stem the rot. Though it is difficult to believe that he didn't make any effort. Or was his a conscious decision not to stem the rot that enabled him to occupy such positions. If an officer at his level was so helpless, God bless the rest of the Civil Service. He doesn't spare anyone though refrains from passing a "judgement" over the Judiciary for "obvious reasons". He does commend the Civil Service generally by way of some passing reference. He is also full of admiration for T N Seshan who became an "Alsatian" post retirement. He could have possibly given some examples of officers who did well while in harness. He doesn't do that for reasons best known to him. Or perhaps he didn't find any. Despite such adverse set of circumstances there are a large number of officers that keep this "steel frame" going. However, Mr Subramanian is content with what he got and has few words of appreciation for those that toiled and continued to toil in the Civil Service.

[Aditya Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives a useful idea of the perils of bureaucracy but gets overly generalising at times. Very good read for people who do not have much understanding of government and governance.

[Anandh Sundar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really amazing book, though more serious than the previous two books of the author. What makes this book exceptional is the one liners that accompany major sections(for example, CVC is put down as 'neither bark nor bite'). And instead of going on extremes(lavish praise or being cynical), the coverage is indeed analytical and well written. for those interested in politics, public administration or merely general affairs, this book is a superb read and could really inform the Lokpal debate