"The run-up to the elections is all about discussions about integrity. I think this is a sign of a maturing economy," he said, addressing the 10th convocation of the National Institute Bank Management (NIBM) here.
Graft is a major campaign theme in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which was born out of an anti-corruption movement, is aggressively taking up the issue and targeting the BJP, the Congress and top corporates.
Rajan, who left a celebrated academic career in the US to join the economic policymaking, told the NIBM students that often issues at hand fall in the grey area which do not have a ready-made black and white solution.
The choices which one can make are either be to extremely rigid or what is called as bureaucratic, Rajan said.
Another way to deal with this is by being flexible, where core values like integrity, compassion and duty are protected fiercely, the Governor said, adding each one of us need to "figure out what our core is".
Rajan said we should be ready to amend the existing laws if we are convinced about the need for change.
"There are cases where the law is an ass, the rules don't make sense ... If the rules are there and the rules do not make sense, see how you can change the rules. If the law does not make sense, see how you can change the law," he said, but clarified he was not asking people to break any law.
"In the real world, the choices are rarely black and white. Often the choices have shades of grey. So, how will you know when to bend and when to stand firm?"
He told the gathering that once someone is convinced about something, it is his/her duty to accomplish the goal and this is "best way to influence the world".
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)