Not Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nations Conscience Keeper By: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Vinod Rai

Not Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper

• Author : A P J Abdul Kalam, Vinod Rai
• Publisher : Rupa Publications
• ISBN-13 : 9788129134615

About Not Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper

Not just an accountant is an incisive, no-holds-barred account of Indias eleventh comptroller and auditor general and a symbol of the anti-corruption movement, Vinod Rai.   Through a narrative, rich in anecdote and inside information, Rai sheds light on the major scams that shook the country. Among the case studies-chosen for the diversity of failures they highlight are - the procedural irregularities in the issuance of licenses for second generation spectrum allotment, the last minute quick-fixes in the conduct of the XIX commonwealth games, the loss of national resources while allocating coal blocks, the flouting of systems and the clear display of crony capitalism in the exploration of hydrocarbon and the tragic tale of civil aviation in India.   Through these illustrations, Rai wishes to not only expose government malfeasance, but also probe the mandate of the CAG as a watchdog. Equally, he hopes to push for long-term solutions to corruption and bring home the urgent need for ethics-for the pursuit of excellence, accountability, probity and transparency within governments, the bureaucracy, corporate enterprises and public life.   Interesting facts A blow-by-blow, explosive, yet thoughtful account that sheds new light on the scams that shook India - 2G, coalgate, civil aviation, the conduct of the XIX commonwealth games and hydrocarbon contracts. Explodes the myth of accountability in contemporary Indian governance. Written by the eleventh CAG of India and a symbol of the anti-corruption movement, Vinod Rai. Presents long-term solutions for the future, so as to contain procedural irregularities within the government and corporate enterprises. Provides a roadmap for good governance, important for the growth of the nation. Exhorts younger professionals / administrators to strive for excellence.     Reviews:   Not Just an Accountant ... emphasizes the importance of ethical governance in our country. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam   A brutally honest account of the trials and tribulations of a comptroller and auditor general of India whose tenure coincided with a period when Indias governance reached its lowest ebb. Vinod Rai is unquestionably amongst Indias most morally upright bureaucrats and this first-hand narrative is insightful. This book is a must read, not for the controversies that dogged the former CAG, but for the stoic silence that has finally been broken. Deepak Parekh   Vinod Rai is a contemporary hero for the work he did as the comptroller and auditor general. This book should be essential reading for everyone concerned with corruption and malfeasance. T.N. Ninan   This book provides interesting glimpses into the working of an important institution [and] also provides insights into the fault lines that a heady mix of politics, corruption and institutional decay have produced in our polity. Pratap Bhanu Mehta  

About the Author

  Vinod Rai has served with distinction as the comptroller and auditor general of India and has brought about a paradigm change in the institution. The systems and qualitative upgrades introduced by him have been endorsed within the country and internationally, bringing worldwide acclaim to the institution of the CAG of India.   During the course of his career, Rai has had rich and varied experiences within the civil services. He has served over thirty-four years in various capacities at the regional and federal level. His contributions in Kerala have been acknowledged by those familiar with the state. He has also left an indelible mark on the financial sector of the nation.   Rai lives with his wife in New Delhi.

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