India's institutional design is like a grand tapestry woven with the threads of federalism, parliamentary democracy, and a written constitution. It is a remarkable system that holds the promise of delivering good governance, but it is also facing an arduous journey. The most stubborn obstacle on this journey is corruption, which has infiltrated every level of Indian politics and governance, corroded public trust and strangled the effectiveness of institutions. It is a frustrating hurdle for India's citizens who yearn for progress. But corruption is not the only challenge India's institutional design is up against. The country also grapples with social inequality and exclusion, sluggish economic reforms, and conflicts between central and state governments. These hurdles must be addressed with great urgency if India is to fulfill its potential as a modern, democratic state.
Caged Tiger by Subhashish Bhadra is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of India's institutional design. The book identifies faulty institutional design as the common factor that plagues India's institutions and highlights the need for a consistent focus on building better institutions. Bhadra converts complex frameworks into relatable language that resonates with millennials and Gen Z. The book delves into the history of modern Indian institutions, identifies policies that keep Indians suppressed, and tackles contemporary issues such as artificially high minimum support prices for crops and the Election Commission's inability to enforce free and fair elections within political parties. The author shows how these issues are interconnected and symptomatic of India's larger institutional problems.
Caged Tiger by Subhashish Bhadra is a thoroughly researched and insightful analysis of India's institutional design. Bhadra's writing style is engaging and informative, making it an informative and thought-provoking read. The book emphasizes the importance of transparency in governance and highlights the need for effective policies to address the issues faced by the people. However, readers who are not familiar with India's economic and political landscape may find the book a bit dense and heavy. Nonetheless, what sets this book apart are the practical solutions the author provides. The author outlines four actions - Educate, Communicate, Agitate, Inculcate - that we can take to voice our opinions and work towards rebuilding India. The author's vision for the country is inspiring, and the solutions provided are realistic and practical.
This is not your typical book on India's institutional design. It is a ground-breaking work that dives deep into the challenges faced by India's institutions, providing well-researched insights and practical solutions. You will gain a fresh perspective on India's institutions and their impact on the country's political, economic, and cultural life. Whether you're an academic, a policymaker, or simply someone interested in learning more about India, this book is a must-read. It offers a unique and accessible analysis that will leave you with a greater understanding of India's institutional design and the challenges that lie ahead.