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Decentralisation,
Corruption and Social Capital
This book seeks to examine the factors that may make a crucial difference to the quality of governance in contexts that are democratic but where the institutional and socio-economic environment is quite challenging. For this purpose Kerala and Madhya Pradesh have been chosen for the purpose of collecting and analysing empirical data. And it comes up with findings that do not hold corruption as the only constraint on development. Political apathy and lack of strong and enlightened public opinion are among the other daunting factors. If you are a student of developmental economics or involved in aid-related activities you will find this tome invaluable. Our opinion makers and ruling elite too may find it a rewarding read. Pave your way to good
conduct and happiness This book contains articles on different aspects of virtuous living. Sanskrit texts, along with their English translations, from various scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita and Valmiki Ramayan have been used to explain the process of attaining happiness through spiritual and ethical living. For example, in the chapter Character of Sita the author has depicted how she, along with Rama and Lakshman, managed to lead a happy life (before her abduction by Ravan) despite dangers and deprivations. Her joy in discovering local flora and fauna is vividly described by Valmiki. Similarly the chapters Mysticism in the Taittiriya Aranyaka and Ethics in Aitareya and Taittiriya Aranyakas are insightful and thought provoking. Despite the title, this book enriches our thought processes without being didactic. When the going gets
tough
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Corruption,
which is rampant in developing countries like India, poses a serious
challenge to all developmental activities. It mars governance, stunts
growth and obstructs democratic functioning. According to received
wisdom centralization encourages corruption; therefore decentralisation
can be an effective antidote. Widmalm points out that there is not
enough data available to validate or debunk this proposition. In fact
there are powerful arguments linking spread of corruption with
decentralisation processes. In this respect, the ongoing Panchayati Raj
experiment is of particular interest. Would the grassroots-level
democratisation and decentralisation eradicate or encourage corruption?
What will be its impact on the quality of governance, including economic
growth?
by
BD Dhawan.
In
a market-driven liberalised economy it has become far easier to set up
business than it was during the good old days of
mixed-economy-marinated-in-socialism. At the same time it has become
tough for start-up ventures to survive the competition, which comes both
from local rivals as well as global business houses. The
commercial-industrial environment too is changing thanks to GATT &
WTO. Then there are challenges emanating from the fast and continuously
evolving technologies, the highly volatile capital market and increased
mobility of other factors of production. The beginning stages of a
venture are invariably beset with various perils. This book points out
that nearly half of all new businesses fail within first four years of
inception. Patel has enumerated seven crises that can derail an
enterprise, viz., Starting, Cash, Delegation, Leadership, Financial,
Prosperity and Management-succession crises. He has also suggested ways
and means of avoiding and/or resolving these crises. If you are a
management student or a budding tycoon this tome ought to be on your
bookshelf.