India, May 20 -- Every election in India follows a predictable script. A new government comes to power and immediately accuses the previous administration of leaving behind empty coffers, hidden liabilities, financial mismanagement, or corruption. The outgoing government responds with counter-allegations, claiming the accusations are politically motivated. In the end, citizens are left confused, with little awareness of what the financial facts are, of the country or of the State. When these things happen consistently, they do present an important issue before the public: why have the management of public money levied on and paid by the population kept out of their reach?

In today's digital era, where individuals can track bank transacti...