In this Article, we will discuss about Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92: A Comprehensive Overview. India is in mourning for its former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, aged 92. Dr. Singh, a distinguished economist and statesman, had played a pivotal role in shaping India's economic landscape and had served as the Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92: A Comprehensive Overview
Early Life and Academic Achievements
He was born on 26 September 1932 at Gah, Punjab now part of Pakistan. He shone very early academically and completed his education in economics from Panjab University at Chandigarh. Manmohan did his bachelor's and master's there. Subsequently, he went to University of Cambridge and attained first class honors degree in 1957. Thereafter, Dr. Singh secured a D. Phil degree in economics from Oxford in 1962 for research on the export competitiveness of India.
Professional Career and Economic Reforms
Dr. Singh's career has been dotted with major contributions to the economic policies of India. He was Chief Economic Adviser (1972–1976), Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985), and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–1987). In 1991, he was appointed Finance Minister by then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao at a time when the Indian economy was passing through its worst crisis ever. Dr. Singh brought in innovative economic reforms, which transformed India from a closed to an open economy with global liberalization, accelerating quick economic growth and development.
Tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014)
In 2004, Dr. Singh became the 14th Prime Minister of India to lead the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. His tenure is reflected in the following major actions:
- Economic Growth: Under his able leadership, India has experienced very robust economic growth, turning out to become one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
- Introduction of Social Programs: An example is the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which guaranteed livelihood security in rural regions by offering at least a 100-day wage-employment opportunity.
- Civil Nuclear Agreement: In 2008, Dr. Singh sealed the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, breaking the nuclear isolation of India and opening up access to nuclear technology and fuel for civilian use.
- Foreign Policy: His term was characterized by a strengthening of relations with the major world powers-the United States, the European Union, and even with neighboring countries.
Challenges and Controversies
Dr. Singh's term has been marked by numerous challenges:
- Corruption Scandals: Allegations such as the 2G spectrum case and the Commonwealth Games scam marred his administration's image.
- Policy Paralysis: In his second term, the government was criticized for perceived inaction and delayed decision-making, affecting economic reforms and growth.
Legacy and Demise
Dr. Singh's legacy shall be as that of the reformist economist and, above all, a great principled politician. What he did in liberalizing India's economy has always left an impact on his nation and put it, in all possible ways, at a prime position worldwide. Dr. Singh expired on December 26, 2024, with his body passing away as his health was declining rapidly at AIIMS in New Delhi.
