The book examines the concept of corruption, its ethical interface and its measurement by looking at economies of about 150 countries in different income groups and using cross-country regression analysis estimates how corruption impacts their economic growth. In the light of experience of some major global economies, it suggests a strategy for meeting the challenge of politial and petty corruption.

It identifies the drag effect of low incomes on ability of countries to lower corruption and focuses on centrality of growth for reducing corruption. It brings out criticality of systemic reforms especially of institutions, participation of community and its education. It strongly emphasises need for laws covering both corruption in the government and private companies, and a fair and independent investigating agency with quick trials of corrupt public servants. It also gives a brief history of corruption in India, efforts made in recent years and the Lokpal act, with changes required in the current law to address corruption.