The Politico-nomics of Scams in India – and the change India Seeks…

The Politico-nomics of Scams in India – and the change India Seeks…

By : Amit Bhushan Date : 11th May 2013

Needless to state that this article is in response to the strong prove-ance that has been confirmed by the hon’able Supreme Court observations - that scamsters have an enduring edge in managing the state of affairs in governance of India; with seemly or probably honest people of integrity being a convenient façade. The politicos, media barons and businesses are busy with sales pitch of the individual personas, for creating/adding viewership and business logics, while the substance of the matter is neglected for the superficial gimmicks and tantrums of such politicos, media barons and businesses.

The scams occur in such high frequency is because people in power do not have any incentive in stopping there occurrences. The politicos know that if they do not keep the big business community in good humour, the community will easily mobilize enough parliamentary votes that would topple the government. The business and media barons frequently mix up to create a ‘situation’ that flares up, sometimes with the aid of bureaucracy and on other occasions with the help of willing politicians within or outside the government. For the head of government who has knowledge of the pathetic condition of the intelligence and investigative machinery as well as justice delivery system of the country, distributing resources to buy peace is a Hobson choice to remain in government.

Fortunately or unfortunately, such head of government is also aware that the ‘opposition’ to such distribution o resources is ‘empty promise’ as any new incumbent will also be seeking goodwill or powerbrokers and will be compelled to strike compromises as soon as any other person manages to step into the echelons of power. The ‘prominent people in government as well as in opposition’ are aware of such difficulties to some extent and thus are not in rush to announce any remedial schemes or ideas that would meet public expectations, but maintaining a stoic silence so as to strike their bargains with the political powerbrokers and kingmakers to reach the pinnacle of their political ambitions within their lifetime by compromising the soul of the idea of being in public/political life.

This is the reason why the learned politicians do not ever strike at ‘policy in making’ that would lead to a disadvantaged public, but manage to detect scams post-facto. There are surely enough experienced politicos who are aware of the state of affairs as well as pitfalls as was highlighted by an almost illiterate scheduled tribe Minister at the beginning of mass distribution of coal blocks. However, the voices in time are almost always ignored and compromised by the politicians in government as well as the media to protect the business interests of the right people. When a new government takes over, it will dish out a convenient compromise as a solution ‘in the larger interest of people’ and the public would be forced to consummate the ‘deal’ and the deeds of previous government. Subsequently, the new scams would follow to spur the growth of the economy as captured in GDP numbers but the pocket of Aam Admi will remain empty as ever with no jobs or income. Some businesses will be conveniently milching the subsidies distributed b the government to alleviate the state of the Aam Admi.

The state of affairs of Aam admi can only change by vigorous participation of Aam Admi in the game. This can happen if Aam admi can significantly increase the legal cost and restrictions on such politicos and businesses say by filing a distress petition in all local courts by individuals in distress to oppose the action or by environment activism in proposed illegal mines or similar measures. Such measures should break the back of the power brokers directly by bringing them out of the shadows and affecting their ability to strike profitable bargains. The politicians themselves, whether in government or in opposition have little interest or time or inclination to bring about such radical changes in the affairs of the country.

This is fairly evident as all politicos have knowledge of scams on their lips but no remedial action to safeguard public interest by indicating strong policy action. The senior-most politicians with PM ambitions will shudder if questioned about the measures he would like to commit to get even with or recover, the loss to the public of India. This is because such politicos know that such promises cannot be fulfilled and their need to strike compromises with the powerbrokers to actually ride on the power bandwagon is much more than satisfying public concerns. The Aam Admi in case can be humoured with strong talk ridiculing the present day people in power so any detailed promise for action is a bit too farfetched. The Aam admi in India has remained glued to the myth of ‘messiahs’ amongst the political class for too long. The poor chap does not even get to question people he is supposed to vote for, but is only offered to listen to his Bhagwan and offer his vote as prayer. Some of the wiser ones manage a peg or two from the politicos largesse while the rest fall prey to the preaching of the election commissions campaign to vote which essentially means to choose a seemly lesser devil while the real ones i.e. the power brokers always work out of shadows irrespective of the man elected to rule.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The politico-nomics of scams in India is a complex and multifaceted issue that intertwines with the nation's economic and political landscapes. Scams, ranging from financial misappropriations to large-scale corruption, have long been a bane for India's development, eroding public trust in both government and business institutions. These scandals often involve high-ranking officials, influential business leaders, and sometimes even elected representatives, who manipulate systems for personal gain. The impact of these scams is profound, leading to misallocation of resources, stunted economic growth, and a pervasive sense of injustice among the populace.

One of the most significant factors contributing to the persistence of scams is the opaque nature of decision-making processes in both the public and private sectors. Corruption thrives in environments where transparency and accountability are lacking, and where regulatory frameworks are weak or poorly enforced. This is exacerbated by a political system that often rewards loyalty over merit, leading to a culture where graft and nepotism are seen as acceptable means to achieve power and wealth.

However, the tide is turning. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and a demand for change among the Indian populace. Social media and digital platforms have played a crucial role in amplifying voices that seek transparency and accountability. Citizens are increasingly holding their leaders and institutions to higher standards, and there is a palpable shift towards a more informed and participatory democracy. This change is not just a call for stricter laws and enforcement but also for a fundamental transformation in the ethos of governance and business practices.

The government has taken some steps to address these issues, such as the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which empowers citizens to request and receive information from public authorities. Initiatives like the Aadhaar system for unique identification and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have also been introduced to improve transparency and efficiency. Additionally, the rise of civil society organizations and independent media outlets has put pressure on policymakers to act more diligently and responsibly.

Despite these advances, the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. The change India seeks requires a sustained effort to overhaul existing systems, strengthen institutional integrity, and foster a culture of accountability. This includes stringent measures to prevent conflicts of interest, robust whistleblower protection mechanisms, and a judiciary that is both independent and efficient. Moreover, there is a need for economic policies that promote equitable growth and reduce the incentives for corrupt practices.

In conclusion, while the politico-nomics of scams in India remains a critical issue, the country is witnessing a growing movement towards transparency and accountability. The change India seeks is not just a matter of regulatory reform but a fundamental shift in the values and practices that underpin its society. As citizens become more engaged and informed, and as institutions evolve to meet these demands, there is hope for a future where corruption is minimized, and public trust is restored.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Politico-nomics of Scams in India – and the change India Seeks…

By : Amit Bhushan Date : 11th May 2013

Needless to state that this article is in response to the strong prove-ance that has been confirmed by the hon’able Supreme Court observations - that scamsters have an enduring edge in managing the state of affairs in governance of India; with seemly or probably honest people of integrity being a convenient façade. The politicos, media barons and businesses are busy with sales pitch of the individual personas, for creating/adding viewership and business logics, while the substance of the matter is neglected for the superficial gimmicks and tantrums of such politicos, media barons and businesses.

The scams occur in such high frequency is because people in power do not have any incentive in stopping there occurrences. The politicos know that if they do not keep the big business community in good humour, the community will easily mobilize enough parliamentary votes that would topple the government. The business and media barons frequently mix up to create a ‘situation’ that flares up, sometimes with the aid of bureaucracy and on other occasions with the help of willing politicians within or outside the government. For the head of government who has knowledge of the pathetic condition of the intelligence and investigative machinery as well as justice delivery system of the country, distributing resources to buy peace is a Hobson choice to remain in government.

Fortunately or unfortunately, such head of government is also aware that the ‘opposition’ to such distribution o resources is ‘empty promise’ as any new incumbent will also be seeking goodwill or powerbrokers and will be compelled to strike compromises as soon as any other person manages to step into the echelons of power. The ‘prominent people in government as well as in opposition’ are aware of such difficulties to some extent and thus are not in rush to announce any remedial schemes or ideas that would meet public expectations, but maintaining a stoic silence so as to strike their bargains with the political powerbrokers and kingmakers to reach the pinnacle of their political ambitions within their lifetime by compromising the soul of the idea of being in public/political life.

This is the reason why the learned politicians do not ever strike at ‘policy in making’ that would lead to a disadvantaged public, but manage to detect scams post-facto. There are surely enough experienced politicos who are aware of the state of affairs as well as pitfalls as was highlighted by an almost illiterate scheduled tribe Minister at the beginning of mass distribution of coal blocks. However, the voices in time are almost always ignored and compromised by the politicians in government as well as the media to protect the business interests of the right people. When a new government takes over, it will dish out a convenient compromise as a solution ‘in the larger interest of people’ and the public would be forced to consummate the ‘deal’ and the deeds of previous government. Subsequently, the new scams would follow to spur the growth of the economy as captured in GDP numbers but the pocket of Aam Admi will remain empty as ever with no jobs or income. Some businesses will be conveniently milching the subsidies distributed b the government to alleviate the state of the Aam Admi.

The state of affairs of Aam admi can only change by vigorous participation of Aam Admi in the game. This can happen if Aam admi can significantly increase the legal cost and restrictions on such politicos and businesses say by filing a distress petition in all local courts by individuals in distress to oppose the action or by environment activism in proposed illegal mines or similar measures. Such measures should break the back of the power brokers directly by bringing them out of the shadows and affecting their ability to strike profitable bargains. The politicians themselves, whether in government or in opposition have little interest or time or inclination to bring about such radical changes in the affairs of the country.

This is fairly evident as all politicos have knowledge of scams on their lips but no remedial action to safeguard public interest by indicating strong policy action. The senior-most politicians with PM ambitions will shudder if questioned about the measures he would like to commit to get even with or recover, the loss to the public of India. This is because such politicos know that such promises cannot be fulfilled and their need to strike compromises with the powerbrokers to actually ride on the power bandwagon is much more than satisfying public concerns. The Aam Admi in case can be humoured with strong talk ridiculing the present day people in power so any detailed promise for action is a bit too farfetched. The Aam admi in India has remained glued to the myth of ‘messiahs’ amongst the political class for too long. The poor chap does not even get to question people he is supposed to vote for, but is only offered to listen to his Bhagwan and offer his vote as prayer. Some of the wiser ones manage a peg or two from the politicos largesse while the rest fall prey to the preaching of the election commissions campaign to vote which essentially means to choose a seemly lesser devil while the real ones i.e. the power brokers always work out of shadows irrespective of the man elected to rule.

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