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 a
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 theNot 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 facts1 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.2 Explodes the myth of accountability in contemporary Indian governance.3 Written by the eleventh CAG of India and a symbol of the anti corruption movement, Vinod Rai.4 Presents long term solutions for the future, so as to contain procedural irregularities within the government and corporate enterprises.5 Provides a roadmap for good governance, important for the growth of the nation.6 Exhorts younger professionals administrators to strive for excellence.
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Not Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper BY Vinod Rai
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Vinod Rai
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Title:
Not Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper BY Vinod Rai
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Published :2019-09-22T12:35:04+00:00
Vinod Rai Is a well-known author, some of his books are a fascination for readers like in theNot Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper book, this is one of the most wanted Vinod Rai author readers around the world.
941 Replys to “Not Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper”
"I do no respond to every dog that barks" was a statement made by late Rajiv Gandhi in a reply to sundry questions. Vinod Rai quotes him to follow "that statement in toto". However, the book appears to be an attempt to reply to every dog that barked. More than anything else, the book is a response to the severe criticism that he faced in his capacity as CAG. He makes cogent arguments backed with well researched facts. He does convince the reader about the issues raised by the CAG and the logic b [...]
I am actually undecided if I should share my opinion about this book. One major suggestion: for UPSC aspirants, read the last chapter. Instructive towards GS-4. Even those not interested in this exam, the last chapter gives some important lessons towards better governance and probity in public life.An important read. Just one strong opinion: do not read the book with any presumptions or set opinions. I know this is hard, keeping in mind the nation's political situation - but keep an open mind wh [...]
A book written by the then Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to bring out the glaring discrepancies in carrying out various policies (2G spectrum, XIX CWG, Coal block allocation, Civil Aviation and exploration of hydrocarbons) during the UPA tenure. Through this book, Mr Vinod Rai aims at answering the questions directed at him by the media and the government. He takes a well aimed dig at the government and the media by quoting Rajiv Gandhi "I do not respond to every dog that barks". But in [...]
Warning: This is NOT light reading. The author's often legalistic turn of phrase and style of presentation (reproduction of govt ministry notes excerpts, for instance) may be off putting for those who are not used to it. Content and not style is paramount here. But the content holds the greatest interest for all citizens of India. Now, I must admit at the outset that I was always mildly skeptical of the role played by the CAG in unearthing the multitude of scams that have rocked India in the las [...]
The book gives insights about the official communication between different entities of the governments, how various warning bells have been neglected during the 2g, cwc, gas scams. The CAG also address the criticisms draw towards him while unearthing various malfeasance in the government. They way he address the criticism is impeccable (quoting the duties of CAG from the constitution). The final chapters are must read for every citizen of India.
Much of 2G Telecom scam is documented and widely debated. So are the other scams of UPA 1 & 2 relating to coal, acquisition of Airbuses for Indian Airlines and Commonwealth games. It is to the credit of Shri Vinod Rai, a 1972 Batch of Indian Administrative Service officer and who was holding the post of Comptroller and Auditor General of India during the above period, that what had been circulating as rumours about these big scams were given a stamp of authenticity by way of damning reports [...]
The book as expected, dwells for the large part on Vinod Rai's term as the CAG. Considering the attention his position attracted, there are detailed notes on each of the prominent cases which were in the limelight. This is a very well written book though very detailed for the most part.
An average book with too much analysis on transparency, as expected. The last chapter focuses more on ethics and probity in general life and how could India achieve its lost glory .
Reading Vinod Rai’s Not Just an Accountant. This is NOT the autobiography of the former CAG. Rather, the former CAG walks us through five case studies, or reports, that the office of the CAG came under severe fire for, from the then UPA government. These are: the 2G scam, the coal scam, the CWG scam, the Air India mismanagement, the petroleum scam.The reports of the CAG in each case were tabled in the parliament, were much debated, caused embarrassment to the then government with much “shoot [...]
Last Comptroller and Accountant General of India, Vinod Rai, had been in news ever since he raked up policy-pathology underlying our public institutions. One can debate over whether CAG over-stepped his limits or not; but the fact is that he has done a cleansing act which was long-overdue. This book is an answer to all those sceptics who has bashed him over the years for his audacity.The book explains the working and role of an important public institution of our polity- the CAG. The author uses [...]
Usually when I read accounts by people about all the things they saw and they did, I always think if you have to say it, it probably isn't true, I was quite inclined to do so for this book as well, but this somewhat apologetic account by Ex CAG rang some bells.Author used some case studies to put forward the case that their is a lot of corruption in the public work and if someone such as CAG who has constitutional powers to audit them and bring them to public's notice, it should be taken with a [...]
The author dwells on greater probity, transparency and accountability in governance throughout the book and through his case studies he has highlighted how the people in authority, both politicians and bureaucrats, have time and gain exploited their position, moving as far as possible from these three values. The case studies are very interesting and the ones that shook the nation. In all the instances, the government has given preferential treatment to a few corporate bodies with no respect and [...]
Couple of books came around the same time this book was released in the 1st half of 2014 written by Indian bureaucrats. This one by Vinod Rai, the Comptroller and Auditor General is by far the best on the role of the CAG as envisioned by the constitution as one of India's towering institutions versus the elected executive towards providing an effective, efficient & an accountable Governance system.He has picked up a bunch of case studies in detail from where he sat & his team conducted t [...]
Such a vivid, eye-opening account of the dismal situation our nation is currently trapped in all, ironically, due to the democratically elected legislative assembly and Parliament members. This illuminating piece of forthright commentary by the former Constitutional Position Holder seeks the reader's conscience to believe(& rightly so) in ethical and moral execution of every task with its orientation towards the ultimate goal of nation building. It appeals to the educated lot to practice pro [...]
One of those books when you finish a read and you feel like giving a standing ovation The book depicts the calmness and robust thought process of our Ex CAG. The best part of the books remains the clear and straight forward presentation of facts without any story telling. Such minute details of the auditing process of the biggest scams that came on surface makes me feel empowered about the approach an auditor should have. 2 topics that stand out for me are:One where the harsh letter written by o [...]
The book, which is nothing less than words from the horse's mouth give insider view of how various scams, that took away sleeps of administrators and shook the seats of the bigwigs in the government, unearthed in past few years in India. The book starts with the initial years of a young probationary civil servant in an "alien" state and ends as that young guy retires from the post of financial watchdog of India.The author has published letters of communications with PMO and other ministries and [...]
The book written by our former CAG during the time of UPA2 and covering 5 "Scams" should have been a lot more interesting. Since most of the facts of the case were already covered by the media, I was expecting more light on the actual process of audit and unearthing the truth but it falls way too short.Vinod Rai treats this as a defense of his actions and provides us the summary of the cases. The book gets too legalese after a certain point and it feels like reading one of the audit reports itse [...]
This book provides a good summary of all major accounting assignments handled by CAG team while Mr Vinod Rai was at its helm. Note that all content is available in public domain in the form of various reports and newspaper articles. But Mr Rai gives a very personal commentary on the various events which makes it a very interesting read.Another good aspect of the book is the background information it provides while describing each case. Founding fathers of our nation ensured the Constitution of I [...]
The initial chapters were pretty great. But, beyond the telecom saga, the book got boring. If you are really interested in reading the nitty gritties of the Indian scams, then go for it; even the ending chapters would be intriguing.
This can very well be used as a parameter to check whether a person can appreciate the bureaucracy of India or not. Until now, if anybody would've had asked for my opinion on any department of government be it the political class or the bureaucratic class, a blanket reply would've been that "most of them are corrupt and don't even work as per as the constitutional procedure let alone working for the benefit of the general public". Mr Rai here has confirmed my reservations here but still i feel a [...]
A stellar book that gives critical insight into one of the most important wings of the government - The controller and auditor general of India (CAG). The 3 Cs - CBI, CVC (chief vigilance commission) and the CAG -- These are the three arms in the system that force the government to be accountable to its people. Vinod Rai writes a very interesting book which goes into the details of plots he unearthed during reign. Finding prominent mention are the 2G scam, the coal block allocation scam etc. Int [...]
The book gives an excellent insider view of the office of CAG. With use of minimal accounting language, Vinod Rai has delved into the various audits taken by the CAG, their criterion and processes and the end-results. In the function of Indian Democracy, the role of audit plays a very important role as our national moves towards greater accountability and transparency. As a civil society, we need to hold the government accountable to its expenditures which are incurred with the tax payers money. [...]
Gives a glimpse of how government functions but also provides insights of how "not" run a government
Nice to read experience of Vinod Rai. overall okay.
Great insight on how those in power use abuse and misuse it to benefit at the cost of the common man
To prove CAG was right
Excellent piece of work. Shows the reality of Bureaucratic functioning in the country. But seemed to be very purist
a Good read for inside view of constitutional system vs system trifle. Last chapter is inspirational.
Vinod Rai has fearlessly put down the five most important scams unearthed during his stint as CAG, in a simple and fluent read.
An eye-opener and must read for those who put blind faith in their political leaders. The book makes you aware of the importance of the office of CAG in safeguarding India's democracy.