Abhijit Halder Strong emotional ties to the homeland despite corruption and red tape When it comes to investing in India or looking at India as a prospective place to expand their business, most Indian Americans are hesitant because they fear having to face the bureaucratic system, the uncertainty about support and logistics, corruption, and apprehensions about the family of an individual being able to adjust to the new environment. This has held back the entry of non-resident Indians (NRIs) into the Indian market and economy. But there remains a feeling of patriotism among NRIs, who respond to sad occasions ” a cyclone, an earthquake, or a war. The same force, enthusiasm , and energy needs to be directed toward nation building, or at least the building of certain progressive sectors like IT in which Indians abroad have earned a name . Dealing with corruption: Fear through public exposure The only way to curb corruption and red tape is by spilling the beans and exposing it to the public. For example we had the TEHELKA scandal in which the army was accused of doing deals by taking major cuts, and the recent case regarding the importing of coffins for Indian soldiers at prices far higher than the actual cost. Public scandals like these usually create a fear among people, so they may hesitate to act. Moreover, there has been a very proactive intelligence and investigative establishment at work. They conduct surprise raids and even reward people for providing information about anyone indulging in corruption, so that appropriate action can be taken against them. Things in India are beginning to change. The importance of leadership champions in successful government action Despite the Indian government's recent progress in the IT industry, one important thing to remember is that the government is good at announcing policies, but poor at implementing them. One of the key factors that will make a difference in our government's ability to remove corruption and implement policies is the presence of leaders who make important promises ” and keep them. And we have such a person in Pramod Mahajan (minister, information technology, communications, and parliamentary affairs). He has been delivering what he has promised , and this credibility increases the success of any program that is implemented. Powerful and influential leaders are needed to take on important issues and programs. If you look at those states in India that have been successful in implementing IT related programs, they all have a leading personality. The state of Andhra Pradesh has been doing well because of Chief Minister Naidu and now Karnataka is trying to catch up because of the support and backing of the chief minister there. These are the champions who make a difference. | 