Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister, served two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014. Renowned for his calm demeanor and intellectual prowess, Dr. Singh’s legacy is deeply etched in India’s economic and political history.
A key architect of India’s economic liberalization in 1991, Dr. Singh, as Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, introduced transformative reforms that propelled India towards a more open and market-driven economy. These reforms alleviated the severe balance of payments crisis, dismantled the License Raj, and ushered in an era of rapid economic growth. His tenure laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a significant player in the global economy.
As Prime Minister, Dr. Singh continued to steer India’s economy towards growth, overseeing a period of unprecedented economic expansion. Under his leadership, India maintained high GDP growth rates, with the economy growing at an average of 7-8% annually. His government implemented several social welfare schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), aimed at reducing rural poverty and providing employment.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions extend beyond economic reforms and social welfare schemes. His tenure as Prime Minister saw several notable initiatives and achievements:
- Nuclear Deal with the United States: One of Dr. Singh’s landmark foreign policy achievements was the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008. This deal ended India’s nuclear isolation and allowed it to engage in nuclear commerce with other countries, bolstering India’s energy security and international standing.
- Right to Information Act (RTI): Under his leadership, the RTI Act was enacted in 2005, empowering citizens by promoting transparency and accountability in government functioning.
- India’s Space and Science Advancement: Dr. Singh supported India’s space program, which saw significant milestones, including the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon in 2008. This mission marked India’s entry into the lunar exploration community and contributed to the discovery of water molecules on the Moon’s surface.
- Education Reforms: His government launched the Right to Education Act in 2009, making education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14.
- Infrastructure Development: Dr. Singh emphasized infrastructure development as a driver for economic growth. His government initiated the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to improve urban infrastructure, including transportation, water supply, and sanitation in Indian cities.
- Foreign Policy Initiatives: Beyond the U.S. nuclear deal, Dr. Singh worked to strengthen India’s relationships globally, particularly with Southeast Asian nations through the Look East Policy, enhancing trade and cultural ties. He also played a crucial role in improving relations with African nations, focusing on mutual cooperation in trade and development.
- National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Launched in 2005, this program aimed to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas, focusing on reducing infant and maternal mortality rates and improving access to healthcare facilities.
- Financial Inclusion: Dr. Singh’s tenure witnessed efforts to promote financial inclusion through initiatives like the launch of the Aadhar program, which aimed to provide a unique identity to residents and streamline access to government services and subsidies.
Nonetheless, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy remains significant. His contributions to India’s economic transformation and his vision for an inclusive growth model have left an indelible mark. His leadership style, characterized by humility and intellectual rigor, set a standard for governance. Even after his tenure, Dr. Singh continues to be revered as a statesman who prioritized India’s long-term interests over short-term political gains.