Corruption in India - The DNA and the RNA

India will need to win the battle against endemic corruption if it has to survive, prosper and achieve the status of a developed economy and inclusive society. To design a comprehensive ant-corruption program we need to (i) appreciate the core elements that lead to corrupt behavior by public officials and (ii) understand the mechanics of corruption. These elements range from poor policy formulation, low use of technology, inappropriate assignment of discretion and lack of transparency and accountability. The authors argue that improvements in efficiency of governance and anti-corruption efforts will need to go hand in hand. The war can be won as it has been in other democracies only through political action driven by pressure from citizens to demand both greater efficiency and honesty from their government.