A systematic enquiry on corruption

November 8, 2016, saw the successful implementation of the demonetisation exercise by the government. And this year, as the Union government plans to mark this day as the Anti-Black Money day, Rupa Publication India will launch a book on the impact of demonetisation on the common citizens. Authored by Bibek Debroy and Kishore Arun Desai, 'On the Trail of the Black: Tracking Corruption' traces the cross-sectoral prevalence of corruption in a comprehensive manner giving readers a ringside view of its cumulative and cascading impact on the common citizen.

The colour black loses its grandeur the moment it is used in the context of corruption. In the last few decades, the spectre of corruption in India has only increased and has become a reality so grim that most of us have accepted it as fait accompli. Further, the abuse of power, position, and privilege for personal gain is rampant. Corruption and black money are festering sores that are holding us back in the race towards development.

Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has displayed strong political intent and an unambiguous resolve to uproot this menace.

November 2016 witnessed the bold and radical exercise of demonetisation that strengthened the hands of the common man in the fight against corruption.

'On the Trail of the Black' traces the prevalence of corruption in most sectors of the economy—from agriculture and real estate to education and electoral nances—providing readers with an understanding of its impact on the common man. Further, concrete steps to uproot corruption are also suggested. This action agenda follows a consistent, fact-based, diagnostic and analytical approach.

Leveraging the practical experience of senior government officials and the passion of young professionals, this book presents a systematic enquiry on corruption.

In the book, the author writes, "Demonetisation was the radical policy measure which helped restore the faith of the common Indian in the 'system'. It renewed belief that the system could be cleansed without overthrowing the gains which had accrued from liberalizing the economy to market forces over the years. That is the reason demonetisation found public support despite the short-term pain it caused. In the process, it has also laid the foundation of the next round of pro-market reforms that will ultimately lead India to a double-digit growth rate for a sustained period."

"Demonetisation has prompted many ordinary Indians to experiment with digital transactions. The emerging architecture of digital finance will also give a major fillip to the government's attempts to move all benefits to the poor away from the leaky system India has at present to a better targeted, foolproof system of cash/benefit transfers… Needless to say, it will thwart the ambitions of those whose vested interest lies in preserving the existing system."

Given the richness, diversity, and depth of

the subject, this authoritative volume is a valuable

reference to every citizen

who dreams of a corruption-free India.