Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister and a visionary economist, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalization, Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 ushered in transformative reforms that reshaped the nation’s economy.
As Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, he led the country through a decade of robust economic growth, implemented landmark social programs like the National Rural Health Mission, and played a key role in enhancing India’s global standing through initiatives such as the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement. Despite challenges, including allegations of corruption during his second term, Singh’s personal integrity and contributions to India’s development remain widely respected.
Dr. Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. His demise marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of economic transformation and visionary leadership.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh’s early academic brilliance led him to the University of Cambridge, where he earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957. He further pursued a D.Phil. in Economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. His scholarly work, particularly the book “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” critiqued India’s inward-oriented trade policies and showcased his forward-thinking economic perspectives.
Academic and Professional Career
Singh’s academic tenure included positions at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics. He also served at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and was the Secretary General of the South Commission in Geneva between 1987 and 1990. His roles in the Indian government were diverse, including Economic Advisor in the Commerce Ministry, Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance, Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission.
Architect of Economic Reforms
As Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, Singh was the principal architect of India’s economic liberalization. Faced with a severe economic crisis, he implemented policies that dismantled the Licence Raj, reduced state control, and opened India to global markets. These reforms spurred unprecedented economic growth, transforming India into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Tenure as Prime Minister
Serving as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh’s tenure was marked by significant achievements:
Economic Growth: Under his leadership, India experienced robust economic expansion, with growth rates reaching up to 9%.
Social Programs: His government introduced the National Rural Health Mission, mobilizing community health workers to improve rural healthcare. The Right to Education Act was enacted, and initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan aimed to combat illiteracy.
Foreign Policy: Singh played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s global standing, notably through the civil nuclear agreement with the United States, enhancing India’s access to nuclear technology.
Challenges and Legacy
Despite his personal integrity, Singh’s tenure faced challenges, including allegations of corruption within his administration and economic setbacks during his second term. Nonetheless, his contributions to India’s economic transformation and his role in shaping modern India’s policies remain widely acknowledged.