Manmohan Singh, an Indian economist and politician, served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the Indian government and implemented various policies that had a lasting impact on the country. Here are some of the remarkable works done by Mr. Manmohan Singh during his time in government:
1. Economic Reforms: Manmohan Singh is widely recognized as the architect of India's economic liberalization in the early 1990s when he served as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. He implemented a series of structural reforms that opened up the Indian economy, liberalized trade and investment policies, and dismantled the License Raj, which had previously stifled entrepreneurship and economic growth. These reforms played a crucial role in transforming India into a more market-oriented economy and attracting foreign investment.
2. Fiscal Responsibility: During his tenure as Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh emphasized fiscal discipline and implemented measures to control government spending and reduce the fiscal deficit. He introduced the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, which aimed to bring fiscal stability and transparency in government finances.
3. Social Welfare Programs: The government led by Manmohan Singh introduced several social welfare programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for marginalized sections of society. One of the notable programs was the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provided a legal guarantee for 100 days of employment per year to rural households. Other initiatives included the National Rural Health Mission, National Food Security Act, and the Right to Education Act.
4. Infrastructure Development: The government under Manmohan Singh's leadership focused on infrastructure development to support economic growth. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was launched to improve urban infrastructure and governance in Indian cities. It aimed at addressing issues such as water supply, sanitation, transportation, and housing. Additionally, the National Highways Development Project aimed to upgrade and expand the national highway network across the country.
5. Foreign Policy: Manmohan Singh played a crucial role in shaping India's foreign policy and strengthening its global presence. He focused on building strong diplomatic ties with major world powers and neighboring countries. His government pursued a policy of strategic engagement with the United States, leading to the signing of the historic India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008. He also worked towards improving relations with Pakistan, initiating peace talks and confidence-building measures.
6. Education and Skill Development: Recognizing the importance of education and skill development for India's future growth, Manmohan Singh's government took steps to enhance the education system and promote skill development. The government increased budgetary allocations for education, implemented the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to promote universal elementary education, and launched initiatives like the National Skill Development Mission to address the skills gap and improve employability.
It is worth noting that while Mr. Manmohan Singh's tenure witnessed several notable achievements, there were also criticisms and challenges faced by his government, particularly in relation to issues such as corruption, inflation, and governance. Nonetheless, his contributions to economic reforms, social welfare programs, and foreign policy have left a lasting impact on India's development trajectory.