Corruption in India

Posted on December 9, 2010 by Vikas Pota

There’s absolutely no way getting around this issue. Corruption is a major problem in India, as it is everywhere else. In India, the issue’s been on the front page of its very watchful & critical newspapers for a very long time. In fact, some like Tehelka.com have built a reputation around exposing scams. The sheer fact is that corruption continues, and it seems not much can derail the gravy train in India.

From an international investment perspective, they all know that corruption exists. They all know that people need to be paid off or provided hospitality to. They all know the importance that the business world places in cementing its relationship with Government, so they try to replicate it – rather than take a stand as per their corporate governance rules in their own countries.

Or do they?

Evidence suggests that corruption is as much an issue in the western world as it is in places like India. In well known cases of British firms, the Government has blocked enquiries into trade deals (BAE Systems), been complicit in trying to sway deals by offering generous hospitality (FIFA World Cup bid) etc etc.

In the past when I’ve discussed India’s woes with Indian business leaders, their view is summed up in the following quote “as long as our work is done, why should we care if a margin needs to be paid”. I suspect most western business leaders would disagree with this on the face of it, but privately would concede that they’ve had to somewhere down the line compromise on their ethics.

Given that India has a free and (very) critical press, is a very (colourful) and vibrant democracy, the only hope it has of tackling this scourge, is that of inspired political leadership.

It’s fair game to be critical of Manmohan Singh, the Gandhi’s and the ruling party, as it is about LK Advani and the BJP lead NDA coalition.

What’s the point of being a man of character & integrity as Prime Minister, or having a vibrant democracy, when they keep quite on scams such as those witnessed recently – Commonwealth Games, Adarsh Society, and the massive 2G scam.

One can only conclude with such behaviour that they’re on the take. India needs inspired political leadership.

Who will that be?

Delhi’s Commonwealth Games – Will it be “alright on the night?”

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Vikas Pota

Having just visited Beijing, I’m astounded with what they achieved as a result of the Olympics. In the same breath, I’m equally astounded with the manner in which the Indian Government has handled the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, which are due to open in the first week of October.

There’s been public outrage in Delhi with politicians being accused of corrupt practices, bad administration, and ultimately with squandering the great image it’s built up globally on the back of her economic prowess.

I’m told that Delhi still resembles a construction site, with massive traffic problems, and air pollution that’d make you want to be elsewhere, no surprise that some of the world’s biggest athletes, like Usain Bolt, have decided to stay away.

Indians are trying to salvage the situation, but I fear the damage has already been done. Suresh Kalmadi, the main organizer is reported to have said that “it’ll be alright on the night”. But really, is this the attitude to take when you’ve used hundreds of millions to deliver an event that we’ll most probably want to forget. Wouldn’t it have been better just to commit the money to tackling poverty, which blights India so badly?

If you look at this politically, cast your minds to the building of our Millennium Dome, in which Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson came under major criticism for what as described as a ‘white elephant’. Despite the monetary figure being so much lesser than what’s being spent on these Games in Delhi, they nearly lost their jobs.

If political conventions straddled continents, I’m sure Manmohan Singh’s head would ultimately roll, but as we’re taking about India, I can’t think of a more appropriate phrase than that devised by her tourism department for promote India – the Commonwealth Games are taking definitely taking place in“Incredible India’.

Do Indian businesses really support sport?

Posted on November 1, 2009 by Vikas Pota

I’m a big fan of all things related to sports, so it comes as no surprise when I say that the UK India Business Council put together a fantastic line-up of sports personalities at their gala dinner last week, which took place at the Royal Courts of Justice and should be congratulated. In attendance were Dame Kelly Holmes, Monty Panesar, Kapil Dev, and the guy who brought the IPL to the world – Lalit Modi.

Earlier in the day, I’d had the privilege to attend the baton relay that had been organised by Buckingham Palace to mark the start of the journey for the Commonwealth Baton, which will end up in Delhi next year. So, with athletics and sport running through my head that day, the cynic in me wondered whether Indian business actually supports sport – beyond Cricket.

We know of examples like Lakshmi Mittal supporting tennis stars, Vijay Mallya, TCS and ICICI being involved in Formula 1, but does support for athletics and other lesser publicised sports really run through the veins of India’s business leaders? In the UK, we have clear examples of corporate money from Aviva supporting athletics, is there an equivalent in India? Will the Commonwealth Games change this?

It was Dame Kelly who made the point most eloquently to me when she said that the benefits of supporting kids from the grassroots are huge. Without this investment, as a society we’re poorer for the simple reason that sports personalities have long been considered the best role models for future generations to emulate.

It’d be great to learn as to whether Indian businesses are opening up to supporting grass-roots sports. If you have a view, let me know.

The countdown begins.. for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Vikas Pota

Have to say that the official countdown to the Commonwealth Games has gotten off to a fantastic start. Her Majesty, The Queen passed the baton onto the Indian President yesterday at Buckingham Palace, which was billed as a ‘first’ in the Games’ history as the baton had never been passed from one Head of State to another.

Actually, what was expected to be a damp squib of an event turned out to be a great show, with the forecourt of the Palace (on the “right” side of the famous gates that we peer through to take a look at the Palace) being used as a venue that accomodated the hoi poloi of Indian society and officals from the Commonwealth.

For me it was quite surreal to see kathak, bharatnatyam and other forms of Indian dance traditions alongside tabla, and sitar players in such a majestic environment. To top if off, when the Royal party arrived, the ceremonial troupe first played the Indian National Anthem – which seemed strange but another sign of India arriving – followed by ‘God Save the Queen’ – which we’ve sung on the terraces of our football stadia, but it truly felt odd humming ‘God Save Our Glorious Queen’ to the Queen!

The organisers had brought to the stage a phenomenal cast of sports stars that included Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra, Sania Mirza and the Flying Sikh – who ran for India many moons ago. On the British side, Dame Kelly Holmes, Lord Coe, Monty Panesar all lead the charge. They all took the baton out of the Palace and ran around the Victoria Memorial a few times and posed for video and photos – quite funnily at one point Kapil Dev had to hold Seb Coe back from overtaking Sania Mirza, who’s turn it was to carry the baton.

All in all a great enjoyable event and the British team’s given it all their weight. Let’s hope Suresh Kalmadi gets that Delhi needs to be ready for the games in a year’s time!

Musings about the President’s visit

Posted on October 28, 2009 by Vikas Pota

Attended a dinner event organised by the Indian High Commission in which the President was unveiled to an audience largely comprising leading members of the Indian diaspora.

Having watched the politicking from afar when she was nominated by Sonia Gandhi for this post, I arrived at the venue as a cynic of the Indian system, but quite uncharacteristcally left impressed, and almost inspired.

Impressed – for the simple reason that she kept her speech to the point and brief. More importantly she demonstrated her intelligence by avoiding a trap that was set for her – with all the bigwigs at this bash, she chose her words carefully and decided not to single out a leading Peer of the Lords, which is par for the course – not even Lord Paul (a die-hard Congress supporter) – or even any of the MPs who attended, but she focused on the man of the moment – Professor Venkatraman Ramakrishnan – the genius who was awarded the Nobel in Chemistry this year.

Inspired – because I think the President understood that her’s was a ceremonial role. Yes, we know that she can impose President’s rule, but she came across as a genteel and warm lady. Whether India deserves such a figure or someone like APJ Abdul Kalam is a matter for them, but from the dragoness I was expecting as a result of adverse media coverage, I have to say, she carried herself well.

Anyway, enough of my musings. Heavy day tomorrow (Thursday) – the Commonwealth Games handover at Buckingham Palace, followed by the UKIBC Summit and then the dinner. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that its as good as last years. Shall report back tomorrow 🙂

Elections in New Delhi

Posted on November 9, 2008 by Vikas Pota

Why is everyone saying that Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is going to lose Delhi’s election?

I was in Delhi since last week and just can believe how political chit chat dominated a reception hosted by Sir Dickie Stagg, British High Commissioner, at his residence on Tuesday evening. I’m not referring to British politics and the fortunes of Gordon Brown, but firstly of Obama (who’s since won the contest) and secondly of Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi.

As per my knowledge and experience of Delhi, she’s done very well in her tenure of ten years. I can’t believe the change in climate – less smog and pollution, a brand spanking new metro network, the commonwealth games etc. For this reason, I just can’t understand why everyone is saying that she’s toast. Not one person has said that she’s going to win.

The challenger, Dr Malhotra of the BJP, has a good reputation and from what I’m told, heralded some positive changes when he ran Delhi as a civil servant in the 50’s. Since then, he’s climbed up the political greasy pole and is the Deputy Leader of the BJP in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He’d make a good Chief Minister. His credentials are good. But, we also know that no matter how good a challenger is, the burden lies with the incumbent, it’s Sheila Dikshit’s election to lose. At least, that’s what political wisdom would suggest.

I can understand the reasons why Obama ran a campaign promising change, but I really can’t understand the basis of Delhiites demanding political change in their city.

Any ideas?