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Why Scams are Here to Stay: Understanding Political Corruption in India
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.
- GenresNonfictionIndiaPolitics
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2017
43 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
N. Ram
6 books3 followersNarasimhan Ram (born 4 May 1945) is an Indian journalist and a prominent member of the Kasturi family that controls The Hindu Group of publications. Ram was the managing-director of The Hindu since 1977 and its editor-in-chief since 27 June 2003 until 18 January 2012.
Ram also headed the other publications of The Hindu Group such as Frontline, The Hindu Business Line and Sportstar, and has been awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India and Sri Lanka Ratna by the Government of Sri Lanka.
Ram also headed the other publications of The Hindu Group such as Frontline, The Hindu Business Line and Sportstar, and has been awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India and Sri Lanka Ratna by the Government of Sri Lanka.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 11, 2020
An extremely well researched book that flatters to deceive. It makes a a very promising beginning and the initial analyses of corruption is quite brilliant. He aptly quotes James Cameron to drive home his point, "Corruption in India is almost as leaden a cliche as hunger". His contention that "you can distinguish corruption that is seriously damaging from other types that are not as damaging" is very apt. The details of some of the investigation done by N Ram at The Hindu to unravel the mysteries of cases like the one relating to Bofors make for a interesting read. However, the book disappoints in the context of the prescription to tackle corruption. The focus appears to be on legislative measures but in India, laws and institutions are not a problem. Most of them are there. The problem is in the application of laws and functioning of institutions (only time will tell whether the institution of Lokpal will impact corruption). N Ram does allude to the use of technology but does not go into the details of how technology can actually be used to curtail corrupt practices as is being demonstrated now in a number of states.
January 30, 2018
very good book I enjoyed it
April 15, 2021
“Corruption is bad and totally unacceptable from any democratic and progressive standpoint. But it is a normal, not an abnormal, condition within the political economy of capitalism. Cronyism exacerbates the condition but corruption, understood as an integral part of the omnipresence of private interests in public sphere, including political life, is endemic to all forms of capitalism” writes N. Ram in the conclusion of this book, delving into the Marxian theory of corruption, to firmly assert and establish a viewpoint that private entities and global competitions are confounding factors for the prevalence of corruption.
The three sections of the books are categorized in such a way that makes it easier for the reader to understand the conception of corruption as evaluated from Kautalyan antecedents of early India to the recent scams which shook the modern India. N Ram’s handling of the definition of corruption is something which is often overlooked by the masses who are often tempted by the folklore definition based on morality, falling into an empty rhetoric of ‘corruption-free-country’ by so called 'Gandhians' without actually addressing the structural fault lines in the political economy.
As a senior investigative journalist who headed the investigation on Bofors scandal of Rajiv Gandhi times, N. Ram emphasises on two case studies to prove how corruption had become an ineradicable part of governance. The case studies on TASMAC, illegal granite quarrying, river sand mining and coercive land grabbing tells the story of the less discussed sorry state of public affairs in Tamil Nadu, whose politicians often embark on the narrative of ‘social justice and welfare state’ to keep such discussions around corruption at distance. Likewise, the Vyapam scam of Madhya Pradesh also gives us a glimpse of an ignominiously nefarious corruption impinging the education and employment side of governance in the country.
Dealing with the enforcement and legal facets of corruption in India, N Ram rightly points out that the judicial delays in Indian democracy have actually stymied the anti-corruption movement. The author argues that the case of Jayalalithaa which lingered for eighteen years in lower courts is a stark reminder that the most intractable problem in tackling corruption in India lies in the hijacking of the judiciary process due to the dilatory tactic by the lawyers of accused, to delay the verdict.
Finally, in order to tackle corruption, the author concludes in his final chapter by giving us number of tangible and workable solutions such as amending and enacting a much stronger versions of Prevention of Corruption Act and Whistleblowers Protection Act, regulating the enforcement agencies, raising the visibility of corporate and private sector frauds, reforming and cleansing the political finance and electoral funding, demanding judicial accountability to overcome delays, exercising systemic vigilance over high risk, vulnerable ‘rent-seeking’ sectors such as mining, telecommunications, defence equipment manufacturing, casinos and investment banking which are indexed highly for crony capitalism and also by politically mobilising the public to be resolute and determined in fighting corruption.
The three sections of the books are categorized in such a way that makes it easier for the reader to understand the conception of corruption as evaluated from Kautalyan antecedents of early India to the recent scams which shook the modern India. N Ram’s handling of the definition of corruption is something which is often overlooked by the masses who are often tempted by the folklore definition based on morality, falling into an empty rhetoric of ‘corruption-free-country’ by so called 'Gandhians' without actually addressing the structural fault lines in the political economy.
As a senior investigative journalist who headed the investigation on Bofors scandal of Rajiv Gandhi times, N. Ram emphasises on two case studies to prove how corruption had become an ineradicable part of governance. The case studies on TASMAC, illegal granite quarrying, river sand mining and coercive land grabbing tells the story of the less discussed sorry state of public affairs in Tamil Nadu, whose politicians often embark on the narrative of ‘social justice and welfare state’ to keep such discussions around corruption at distance. Likewise, the Vyapam scam of Madhya Pradesh also gives us a glimpse of an ignominiously nefarious corruption impinging the education and employment side of governance in the country.
Dealing with the enforcement and legal facets of corruption in India, N Ram rightly points out that the judicial delays in Indian democracy have actually stymied the anti-corruption movement. The author argues that the case of Jayalalithaa which lingered for eighteen years in lower courts is a stark reminder that the most intractable problem in tackling corruption in India lies in the hijacking of the judiciary process due to the dilatory tactic by the lawyers of accused, to delay the verdict.
Finally, in order to tackle corruption, the author concludes in his final chapter by giving us number of tangible and workable solutions such as amending and enacting a much stronger versions of Prevention of Corruption Act and Whistleblowers Protection Act, regulating the enforcement agencies, raising the visibility of corporate and private sector frauds, reforming and cleansing the political finance and electoral funding, demanding judicial accountability to overcome delays, exercising systemic vigilance over high risk, vulnerable ‘rent-seeking’ sectors such as mining, telecommunications, defence equipment manufacturing, casinos and investment banking which are indexed highly for crony capitalism and also by politically mobilising the public to be resolute and determined in fighting corruption.
April 6, 2025
A book that speaks exclusively on how corruption in India has set itself into the minds of all people from top bureaucrats to the common folk. While laws are set to counter corruption, the loopholes within the system are so broad and diverse that corruption can still continue at large. This is a book worth reading to understand the intricate workings of political corruption within India particularly the Bofors scandal that had toppled a government.
July 25, 2017
It is a indeed a very good topic to write upon. I, as a reader, felt wanting more on the same. I can imagine the challenge the author N Ram faced because there is no formal statistics around the level and amount of corruption available in the system. Bofors case study was presented in detail and the irony of 60 Crores of bribery led to wastage of 250 crores of CBI investigation ( tax payers) money was an eye opener. However liked the categories of corruption in India and then the remedial measures around how to curb them. He presented a very skeptical view of organised black money donation by corporates by Electoral Bond is a regressive measure to which I agree with. Now the government can give preferred corporate the government contract and earlier the corporate had to give kick back to politicians to which the solution now is Electoral Bonds. The only solution to today's corruption is to bring more transparency in all fields be it judiciary, political funding, bureaucracy and various other departments.
It is an eye opener but would have preferred more insights...
It is an eye opener but would have preferred more insights...
October 18, 2017
been meaning to read this for a while now. after going through josy Joseph's book, this one was very welcome reading indeed. the book derives extensively from a lot of research that has happened to understand corruption, its types, origins and how it has embedded itself into the social cultural DNA of the country. the book examines the bofors case and the scientific corruption that defines the state of tamilnadu. the book reads well but if you have been following this theme one would come to the conclusion that the book could have used some more independent research.
June 22, 2021
A meticulously researched book on the topic of corruption in Indian society. The book explores finer nuances of this societal evil. The writer is a well known for his works in the field of investigative journalism and does justice to the topic.
July 5, 2019
This a lovely, concise book that shares a lot of valuable insights on corruption in India. It widely analyses the malaise of corruption and suggests a set of probable solutions. Very educational, easy to read and insightful.
December 1, 2024
Had a good a case study on Bofors Scandal and Scientific Corruption in Tamilnadu. But most of the content is arranged arbitrarily.
September 30, 2017
Interesting insights, and a reminder of shallowness of total-solution-to-corruption ideas. Amazing facts like cost of investigation of a alleged scam went to 4 times that of estimated scam itself and eventually produced no results. Certain parts of book are difficult to grasp, but considering nature of the topic itself and very deep research around it, that is inevitable. Overall interesting read.
April 10, 2020
The author has tried to put forward a number of points from his vast experience of observing public policy and investigative journalism however the different parts of the book do not connect well. The book can be considered as good literature on the thought behind corruption, idea as perpetuated by Edmund Burke or the British Raj, how the British left but the corruption grew through the Santhanam Committee finally as an outbreak as a mass corruption with Bofors.
The author spends more time on talking but theoretical concepts. The book gets interesting when he starts recounting the first hand account of leading the Hindu investigation for the Bofors scandal. It is a really good read. What was expected of this book was more first hand accounts and inside stories that covering story lines already on record. We would have liked more if he would have given some investigative accounts around corruption in TASMAC or Jayalalitha.
It is difficult to clearly define a take away from the book. The suggestions are nothing radical but rely on building the institutions, governance, politics, media and public awareness. However what is the biggest learning (and most interesting one) from the book is when the judge in Bofors asked CBI of spending 250 cr and not bringing a single evidence in 21 years - author proves the title of the story then and there.
Corruption is here to stay - this happens in all cases whether 2G whether Bofors. Author however explains they won the battle at Hindu by exposing the government in 1989. This was in the minds of people in 1989 itself when the government was unseated. They should have stopped pursuit then and there.
The author spends more time on talking but theoretical concepts. The book gets interesting when he starts recounting the first hand account of leading the Hindu investigation for the Bofors scandal. It is a really good read. What was expected of this book was more first hand accounts and inside stories that covering story lines already on record. We would have liked more if he would have given some investigative accounts around corruption in TASMAC or Jayalalitha.
It is difficult to clearly define a take away from the book. The suggestions are nothing radical but rely on building the institutions, governance, politics, media and public awareness. However what is the biggest learning (and most interesting one) from the book is when the judge in Bofors asked CBI of spending 250 cr and not bringing a single evidence in 21 years - author proves the title of the story then and there.
Corruption is here to stay - this happens in all cases whether 2G whether Bofors. Author however explains they won the battle at Hindu by exposing the government in 1989. This was in the minds of people in 1989 itself when the government was unseated. They should have stopped pursuit then and there.
March 14, 2018
This is a very well researched book by N. Ram, a journalist and the former editor-in-chief at The Hindu.
The book looks at the concept and definition of corruption and says that it is very difficult to classify it as economic or a social phenomenon. It is, rather, a multidimensional problem at hand.
The author then presents the difference between political corruption and other forms of corruption and vividly portrays the history of corruption in India starting from the Jeep case to the current Vyapam Scam. Bofors and Tamil Nadu's scientific style of corruption are dealt with in detail as case studies.
At last the author looks at remedies to fight the menace important among which are getting the legislation right, improving enforcement and disposal of court cases, reforming electoral funding, checking corporate/private sector corruption, leveraging digital resources, efficient regulation for more transparency, etc.
The author feels the need to question as to whether the recent reforms like the amendment to the Finance Bill and talks of electoral bonds are reformist or actually a step backwards.
The best part is that the book is original, researched, anecdotal, comprehensive and a straight talk from one of the pioneers of investigative journalism in India. This is high quality reading material.
The book looks at the concept and definition of corruption and says that it is very difficult to classify it as economic or a social phenomenon. It is, rather, a multidimensional problem at hand.
The author then presents the difference between political corruption and other forms of corruption and vividly portrays the history of corruption in India starting from the Jeep case to the current Vyapam Scam. Bofors and Tamil Nadu's scientific style of corruption are dealt with in detail as case studies.
At last the author looks at remedies to fight the menace important among which are getting the legislation right, improving enforcement and disposal of court cases, reforming electoral funding, checking corporate/private sector corruption, leveraging digital resources, efficient regulation for more transparency, etc.
The author feels the need to question as to whether the recent reforms like the amendment to the Finance Bill and talks of electoral bonds are reformist or actually a step backwards.
The best part is that the book is original, researched, anecdotal, comprehensive and a straight talk from one of the pioneers of investigative journalism in India. This is high quality reading material.
November 21, 2018
This is a book that will make you sad.
Look, I'm a die-hard optimist. I can see the good in (almost) everything. And even then, I struggle to find a positive perspective on pervasive corruption of the order and magnitude revealed in N.Ram's book, "Why Scams Are Here To Stay: Understanding Political Corruption in India."
Coming from the investigative journalist who spearheaded the (then) biggest expose of political corruption in India, unleashing a media blitz over the mid-80s Bofors Howitzer payoff scandal, this account carries the weight, authority and credibiity of a true expert. One who has studied corruption in all its dirty facets, seen its reflection in multiple mirrors, been horrified by its many distorted images... and has come to terms with its versatility, ubiquity, and even (reluctantly admirable) creativity.
And so I feel disappointed and discouraged as I plow through one chapter after another. Listen to tales of systematized and endemic corruption that cuts across party and regional lines. Unifies itself in only a pervasive rape of a nation's wealth and resources to the detriment of the masses, and with an irresistible seductiveness that eventually seems to lure everyone who falls within its tempting ambit - just like anything with mass is sucked into a blackhole!
Look, I'm a die-hard optimist. I can see the good in (almost) everything. And even then, I struggle to find a positive perspective on pervasive corruption of the order and magnitude revealed in N.Ram's book, "Why Scams Are Here To Stay: Understanding Political Corruption in India."
Coming from the investigative journalist who spearheaded the (then) biggest expose of political corruption in India, unleashing a media blitz over the mid-80s Bofors Howitzer payoff scandal, this account carries the weight, authority and credibiity of a true expert. One who has studied corruption in all its dirty facets, seen its reflection in multiple mirrors, been horrified by its many distorted images... and has come to terms with its versatility, ubiquity, and even (reluctantly admirable) creativity.
And so I feel disappointed and discouraged as I plow through one chapter after another. Listen to tales of systematized and endemic corruption that cuts across party and regional lines. Unifies itself in only a pervasive rape of a nation's wealth and resources to the detriment of the masses, and with an irresistible seductiveness that eventually seems to lure everyone who falls within its tempting ambit - just like anything with mass is sucked into a blackhole!
June 20, 2020
Not a very deep and insightful book, though there are some rare insights.
As the author himself says, the scope of the book is limited, and therefore, perhaps it was not possible to look and analyze socio-cultural, class, caste and regional, organizational, systemic and political economic aspects of corruption in India in much detail. The suggestion are also not that raise much hope, they seem to be routine. But then, perhaps the issue of corruption itself is so complex and difficult, it requires a much detailed and deeper treatment.
As the author himself says, the scope of the book is limited, and therefore, perhaps it was not possible to look and analyze socio-cultural, class, caste and regional, organizational, systemic and political economic aspects of corruption in India in much detail. The suggestion are also not that raise much hope, they seem to be routine. But then, perhaps the issue of corruption itself is so complex and difficult, it requires a much detailed and deeper treatment.
December 30, 2025
An informative read that explains why scams persist rather than just listing horror stories.
N. Ram does a solid job breaking down the systems, incentives, and human behaviors that make scams so hard to eliminate. That said, parts of the book feel repetitive and a bit dry, which makes it more analytical than engaging at times. Worth reading for the insights, but it didn’t fully keep me hooked throughout.
N. Ram does a solid job breaking down the systems, incentives, and human behaviors that make scams so hard to eliminate. That said, parts of the book feel repetitive and a bit dry, which makes it more analytical than engaging at times. Worth reading for the insights, but it didn’t fully keep me hooked throughout.
May 29, 2021
A serious book and sadly I was not in a mood for a serious read...It is more of a document explaining the sorry state of affairs in the country. Some day, when i am in mood for some soul- searching and feel disgruntled by the happenings in the country, I would come back and read it again. But , it doesn't look like its going to be soon.
January 26, 2020
Except for the two case studies - BOFORS & TASMAC, at the end of the book, the book could have been written in a way more appealing to a general audience.
One thing is for sure. Corruption ain't going to end in the near future.
One thing is for sure. Corruption ain't going to end in the near future.
September 5, 2017
Interesting book to read on corruption tried to cover various aspects of corruption. From definition to the case studies on corruption and how deal with corruption.
March 21, 2018
Case study on tamilnadu alone is worth 4 stars .
April 23, 2018
Must read to get a broad view of corruption in India.
January 21, 2019
Good one
Descriptive tale of corruption in India. Good one as a starter for the uninitiated in politics of India.. must read..
Descriptive tale of corruption in India. Good one as a starter for the uninitiated in politics of India.. must read..
May 21, 2019
Very well written book in a brief manner about corruption with theories,case studies and how to move forward or reduce it..
April 4, 2021
Uneven Book
Unfortunately, the book has no specific insights that make you sit. It is like a long newspaper column that grew even longer. Expected much better!
Unfortunately, the book has no specific insights that make you sit. It is like a long newspaper column that grew even longer. Expected much better!
April 23, 2021
Book is like a long newspaper article, however the case studies of Bofors and Tamil Nadu are somewhat insightful to the prevalence of corruption.
May 7, 2021
Sing in the rain. I am shoiiing in the rain. I want more in the rain. Two pieces, not enough. I see just for truth.
May 5, 2022
Very well organised content to read
December 30, 2023
Perfect Just Perfect
January 22, 2022
The author through his vast experience as a journalist describes about how corruption has evolved into a systemic evil since the colonial times in India. He describes how corruption today is pervasive, omnipresent and diverse, covering every branch of the Indian state and key sectors of the economy.
In the last chapter, the book discusses about the multifarious solutions that are necessary to address this deep seated problem. It is rightly mentioned that without making deep-going and radical changes to India's political economy it will not be possible to prevent and eliminate corruption.
Lastly, the book stresses on the importance of qualitative political education, organization and mass mobilization in parallel with a larger democratic and progressive struggle.
In the last chapter, the book discusses about the multifarious solutions that are necessary to address this deep seated problem. It is rightly mentioned that without making deep-going and radical changes to India's political economy it will not be possible to prevent and eliminate corruption.
Lastly, the book stresses on the importance of qualitative political education, organization and mass mobilization in parallel with a larger democratic and progressive struggle.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews