Dr. Manmohan Singh | 27 Dec 2024

Source: DTE 

Why in News?  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister and key architect of the 1991 economic reforms, following his passing on 26^th December 2024. 

Who Was Dr. Manmohan Singh? 

• Early Life: Dr. Manmohan Singh born on 26th September 1932 in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), his life was shaped by the aftermath of Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, which led his family to migrate to India. 
  • He pursued higher education in economics, earning a Bachelor's and Master’s degree from Panjab University and later studying at Cambridge and Oxford, where he received a D Phil in Economics. 
  • His doctoral thesis focused on India’s export performance between 1951–1960, laying the foundation for his future contributions to the Indian economy. 
  • Singh held teaching positions at Panjab University and the Delhi School of Economics, shaping future policymakers. 
• Literary Contributions: India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth. 
• Economic Administration: Held critical government positions, including Chief Economic Advisor, Secretary of Economic Affairs, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission. 
  • As RBI Governor (1982–1985), Singh pushed for financial stability and policy discipline. 
• 1991 Economic Reforms: As Finance Minister during the 1991 balance of payments crisis (foreign exchange reserves were just adequate to finance 15 days of imports), then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, along with Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, initiated the LPG reforms (Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization) (also known as Rao-Manmohan Model).  
  • Dr. Manmohan Singh implemented key reforms, including the devaluation of the rupee to boost exports and dismantling the License Raj to reduce industrial bottlenecks.  
  • He also liberalized foreign investment policies to attract global capital, which helped stabilise and grow India’s economy. 
• Contributions as Prime Minister (2004–2014): India’s 14th Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, served as India’s third-longest-serving Prime Minister, after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi (excluding PM Narendra Modi, who is currently serving his third term). He was known for balancing coalition politics with effective governance. 
  • India experienced sustained economic growth, with the economy growing at 8-9% annually during his first term.  
    • India emerged as the world’s second-fastest growing major economy in 2007 and Dr. Singh steered India through the 2008 global financial crisis. 
  • Key legislations such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)of 2005 Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005, and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) of 2005 were passed during his first tenure. 
  • The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009,  Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009, National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 and Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013 were important legislations of his second term, focused on equity and justice. 
• Foreign Policy and Global Relations: Singh played a key role in India–United States Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008), which facilitated civilian nuclear cooperation with the US and other countries. 
  • Dr. Singh represented India at various international forums, leading delegations to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Cyprus (1993) and the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna (1993). 
• Awards: Padma Vibhushan (1987), the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award (1995), and multiple Finance Minister of the Year awards from Asia Money (1993, 1994) and Euro Money (1993).  
  • He also won the Adam Smith Prize (1956) and the Wright’s Prize (1955) from the University of Cambridge.  

What Lessons Can Be Drawn from Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Leadership? 

• Academic Rigor Meets Policy Pragmatism: Singh’s grounding in economics ensured that his decisions were informed by empirical evidence and theoretical rigor, making his policies both effective and sustainable. 
  • His belief in dialogue and education translated into a consultative leadership style, where he was approachable and open to ideas from diverse quarters. 
• Balancing Pragmatism with Principles: He emphasized gradual, socially acceptable reforms, such as the carefully phased 1991 economic liberalization, to minimize disruptions. 
• Commitment to Equity: Singh championed inclusive growth through rights-based initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the Right to Education, even while supporting market-oriented reforms. 
• Integrity and Ethical Leadership: Known for his strong moral compass, Singh maintained integrity in a system prone to corruption, earning respect across political lines.  
  • His readiness to resign over ethical issues, like the Harshad Mehta Stock market scam (1992), underscored his commitment to principles.  
• Strengthening Institutions:  Singh believed in empowering institutions like the RBI and the Planning Commission, ensuring that their policies were both independent and aligned with national goals. 
  • His tenure saw systemic changes like introducing service taxes, abolishing ad hoc treasury bills, and modernizing India's tax structure, which outlived his time in office. 
• Leadership in Adversity: Despite facing political challenges, Singh maintained a calm, focused approach. His dignified handling of political setbacks, including the United Progressive Alliance defeat in 2014, solidified his legacy as a respected leader.