In the annals of Indian economic history, one name stands out as a beacon of financial stewardship during tumultuous times: Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Indian former Prime Minister renowned for his expertise in economics, took the reins of a beleaguered economy and steered it away from the brink of disaster.
Today (September 26) marks the 91st birthday of the icon. Widely regarded as one of the world's foremost economic thinkers, Singh boasts a long list of career accomplishments.
His illustrious career includes roles such as Reserve Bank Governor (1982-1985), Chief Economic Advisor (1972-1976), Planning Commission Head (1985-1987), and Prime Minister of India (2004-2014). However, his most remarkable contribution to India's economy came in 1991 when he played a pivotal role in rescuing the nation from an impending economic crisis. At the time, Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister and he appointed Dr. Singh as the Finance Minister.
The duo faced a dire situation, and it was only Dr. Singh's calculated risks that ultimately paid off, salvaging India's reputation on the global stage.
A struggling Indian economy
Dr. Manmohan Singh became the Finance Minister during a period when India faced severe economic challenges. The nation was grappling with the legacy of the Nehruvian-Socialist economic model, which had led to sluggish growth and a host of structural issues. External debt loomed ominously at 23% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while internal debt weighed in at a staggering 55% of GDP.
Perhaps the most pressing concern was the state of India's fiscal health. The fiscal deficit, a key indicator of the government's financial stability, stood at a worrisome 8% of GDP. Concurrently, the current account deficit, reflecting the imbalance between imports and exports, was at 2.5%. These figures painted a grim picture of India's financial well-being.
India's foreign exchange reserves had plummeted to a mere Rs 2,500 crore, a staggering 75% drop from the previous year. In short, the economy was in dire need of urgent reforms.
Inflation
Inflation, a persistent problem, had spiraled out of control. Wholesale price inflation had surged to a staggering 13%, imposing a heavy burden on businesses and consumers. Retail inflation followed suit, rising to a worrisome 17%, eroding the purchasing power of everyday Indians.
In the face of these formidable challenges, Dr. Manmohan Singh embarked on a journey of economic reform that would transform India's economic landscape. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to liberalization, privatization, and globalization.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) (2005)
Under Dr. Manmohan Singh's leadership, the government introduced the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in 2005, now known as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at alleviating rural poverty and addressing unemployment in India's villages. It guaranteed 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household that sought work, thereby providing a safety net for millions of marginalized citizens.
Right to Information Act (RTI) (2005)
Dr. Manmohan Singh's government ushered in a new era of transparency and accountability in India by passing the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2005. This historic legislation empowered citizens with the ability to access vital government information, reshaping the relationship between the state and its people.
The RTI Act granted citizens the fundamental right to seek information from public authorities. It established a framework for citizens to file formal requests for information, ensuring that government agencies were obligated to provide the requested information within a specified timeframe. This transparency mechanism allowed citizens to hold public officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
The Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2005)
The Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, also known as the 123 Agreement, was a groundbreaking accord between India and the United States. It aimed to provide India access to civilian nuclear technology and fuel while allowing it to maintain its strategic nuclear program. This delicate balance was achieved through a series of agreements and commitments.
Under Dr. Manmohan Singh's leadership, India successfully negotiated the agreement, overcoming decades of mistrust and barriers imposed on its nuclear program due to its status as a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The agreement recognized India as a responsible nuclear state and allowed for the transfer of civilian nuclear technology, fuel, and equipment.
Dr. Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister will forever be remembered as a period of economic transformation and resilience. He inherited an economy teetering on the precipice of collapse and left behind a vibrant, growing nation. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to economic reform, saving India from an economic crisis that once seemed insurmountable. These major reforms implemented under Dr. Manmohan Singh's leadership played a crucial role in shaping India's economic and social landscape, contributing to its emergence as a significant global player in the 21st century.
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