Why are government workers in India so frequently transferred? The official explanation is that this policy was adopted to prevent corruption and promote efficiency. In reality, according to this thought-provoking new analysis, this policy is a cause of corruption and inefficiency. The author wonders why frequent transfers persist if they defeat their own aims. Using extensive fieldwork data and literature analyses, he discusses politics, history, culture and principals of organisation, and presents a clear and vivid picture of India's political and bureaucratic life.