3 Review(s)

India is poised at a crucial juncture in its post-independence history. Accountability, the heartbeat of governance, is under siege. The epidemic of unaccountability lurks beneath India’s myriad tragedies, conquering the spirit of the citizen and constraining India from unlocking its full economic and social potential. The misgovernance so vividly visible today is a strong signal that India’s liberal democracy is disobeying the principles of its grand design. Citizens are deeply concerned about the state of their nation, but unsure what role they can play in improving accountability. This book was written to increase the public understanding of ‘accountability’. Jay P. Desai asks very important questions: How did accountability historically evolve in India; can accountability be measured; how does India rank against other countries; does accountability impact economic and social performance; does our socio-cultural fabric influence accountability; and what role do existing accountability mechanisms and institutions play in strengthening, or weakening, the four foundations of accountability? The author constructs a three-dimensional lens with which he examines the mechanisms that hold our governance institutions accountable. Six initiatives that can improve accountability in India are identified and evaluated. Citizens can play a key role in strengthening accountability, using the five-fold path set out. Desai explains why a burst of governance reforms are sorely needed and describes how the journey of accountability will play out over the next few decades. Those who read this book will transit from a state of angst about accountability, to one of awareness and finally into action. India will then truly make its ‘tryst with destiny’.   Endorsements: This book is a bold piece of writing that presents an in-depth look at the problem of accountability in India’s public administration. Jay P. Desai confronts this sensitive and grave issue directly and head-on, and substantiates his arguments with extensive research, data, analysis and action points. An essential read for the young citizen of India to understand the criticality of accountability and to take concrete actions to help our nation achieve its full potential.                                                                                                                                 N. R. Narayana Murthy Chairman Emeritus, Infosys Limited ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As a longtime lover and admirer of India, I strongly hope that this passionate study on accountability by Jay P. Desai will serve as a guideline to all those invested with the responsibility of governing and administrating the world’s largest democracy. What Jay advocates in this remarkable book is in fact true for all nations in the world. It should therefore be read all over the planet.                                                                                                        Dominique Lapierre Co-author, Freedom at Midnight; and author, City of Joy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In writing this book, Jay P. Desai has done India a great service; it is clear, well-researched and superbly conceptualized. India has long had severe governance problems that interfere with growth, with foreign direct investment and with good public policy. If the nation could reform its governance, in the manner that Jay suggests, the people of India would benefit hugely.                                                                              Richard H. K. Vietor Paul Whiton Cherington Professor of Business Administration Senior Associate Dean, Harvard Business School -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a great book. Governance is an extremely over-used term. However defined, there is a governance deficit in India. But nothing is going to change and accountability isn't going to improve unless countervailing pressure is exerted. This book is not just about the angst, which is pervasive. For angst to become action, there must be awareness. This is compelling reading and far better than many other vague and general accounts I have read.                                                                                                                                     Bibek Debroy Professor, Centre for Policy Research   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jay P. Desai’s book is very timely. Governance and public administration need great improvement in India and have become very hot topics not only in policy-making circles, but also in mass media. His structured analysis explains the steps to make necessary improvements.                                                                                                                           Arun Maira Member, Planning Commission, Government of India ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the author Jay P. Desai is the Founder and CEO of Universal Consulting India Pvt. Ltd, a 17-year-old boutique strategy consulting firm with offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai. He has more than 22 years of management consulting experience in India. Jay holds the Advanced Management Program (AMP) degree from The Harvard Business School, an MBA from Willamette University and an MS in molecular biology from Purdue University. His research interests are in the application of lessons from evolutionary biology and complexity science to business strategy. Jay is a student of Indian classical music and has played the sarod for over 20 years. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Madhavi and son Arjun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents List of Figures Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction: A Question of Accountability Part I - ANGST 1. The Origin of Angst 2. The Accountability Deficit Part II - AWARENESS 3. Unveiling the Shroud 4. Three-Dimensional Accountability 5. Legislative Accountability 6. Executive Accountability 7. Judicial Accountability Part III - ACTION 8. The Six Initiatives 9. The Five-Fold Path Epilogue Bibliography Index