Following the recent passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, many in India are reflecting on his profound contributions that have influenced countless lives since he took office. Serving from 2004 to 2014, Singh was pivotal in steering India towards economic liberalization, which reshaped the country’s growth path. He was the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to serve consecutive terms and the first Sikh to hold the position. Renowned for his soft-spoken demeanor and expertise as a technocrat, Singh’s background included leadership roles at India’s central bank and within the finance ministry. Here are five significant decisions from his career that left a lasting legacy.
Singh played a crucial role in initiating economic liberalization during the financial crisis of the 1990s. As finance minister in 1991 under Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao, he faced a dire economic situation, with foreign reserves at dangerously low levels. His bold reforms included currency devaluation, lowering import tariffs, and privatizing state-owned enterprises. Singh famously asserted that “no power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” effectively laying the foundation for India’s rapid economic growth that lifted millions from poverty.
His ascent to the role of prime minister in 2004 was somewhat reluctant, as he was nominated after Sonia Gandhi decided not to lead the government. Despite facing criticisms regarding his political autonomy, Singh established a strong authority during his tenure, particularly noted for steady GDP growth, which averaged around 8% from 2004 to 2009. His leadership was credited with navigating India through the global financial crisis of 2008 while maintaining his integrity amidst allegations against some cabinet members during his second term.
Furthermore, Singh enacted transformative laws that positively affected Indian democracy and societal welfare. He strengthened the Right to Information Act, empowering citizens to hold the government accountable, and launched a rural employment scheme that secured livelihoods for millions. His introduction of a law guaranteeing free and compulsory education for children significantly decreased dropout rates. The Aadhar project, initiated under his government, has had a lasting impact on improving financial inclusion for the underprivileged.
In a moment of healing, Singh formally apologized to the Sikh community in parliament in 2005 for the violence that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984, which resulted in numerous deaths and property destruction. His apology marked a significant step towards reconciliation.
Singh also signed a landmark agreement with the United States in 2008, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and established a new phase in Indo-U.S. relations, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing India’s global standing.
In summary, Manmohan Singh’s tenure as prime minister was marked by decisive actions that shaped India’s present and will continue to influence its future. His economic reforms, focus on social welfare, dedication to accountability, and commitments to national healing remain pivotal elements of his legacy. There is hope that as India builds upon Singh’s contributions, the nation will continue to strive for inclusive growth and deepen its democratic roots, ensuring a better future for its citizens.