The Hindu: Published on 27th Dec 2024:
Why in News?
Born and Education:
Birthplace:
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a village in undivided Punjab (now in Pakistan).
Education:
Completed a first-class degree in Economics at Cambridge University.
Earned a D.Phil. from Oxford University in the early 1960s.
Notable Traits:
Known as a brilliant student with a sharp intellect.
Established himself as a respected economist, earning positions at top academic and financial institutions.
RBI Governor and Early Roles:
Dr. Singh held every major economic position in the Indian government before his political ascent:
Reserve Bank of India Governor: Oversaw critical financial developments during his tenure.
Chief Economic Adviser: Advised the government on pivotal economic policies.
Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission: Played a key role in shaping India’s development strategies.
Union Finance Secretary: Managed financial governance and policy implementation.
Accidental Prime Minister:
Dr. Singh’s appointment as Prime Minister in 2004 was unexpected, earning him the label of the “Accidental Prime Minister.”
Criticism:
Often accused of being a puppet of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, facing allegations of lacking autonomy in governance.
BJP leader L.K. Advani called him the “weakest Prime Minister” due to his perceived dependence on the party leadership.
Demonstrated Independence:
Defied party and political pressures in critical moments, such as:
Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal (2008):
Risked his government’s stability by securing a trust vote despite opposition from the Left parties.
Sharm-el-Sheikh Joint Statement (2009):
Signed an agreement with Pakistan amidst controversy, emphasizing continued dialogue even after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Achievements:
1. Economic Reforms of 1991:
As Finance Minister under P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr. Singh implemented radical economic reforms:
Liberalization: Opened India’s economy to global markets.
Crisis Management: Pulled India out of a severe economic crisis, transforming its economic trajectory.
Lasting Impact: His measures laid the foundation for India’s rapid growth in subsequent decades.
2. Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal (2008):
Negotiated the historic nuclear agreement, granting India access to nuclear technology and fuel despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Strengthened India-U.S. relations and enhanced India’s global standing.
3. Shift in Foreign Policy:
Moved away from the Nehruvian non-alignment framework to forge balanced, strategic partnerships with superpowers, including the United States.
Promoted India’s interests on the global stage, emphasizing economic and security collaborations.
4. Recognition and Respect:
Internationally lauded for his economic expertise:
U.S. President Barack Obama praised his knowledge and influence, saying, “When the Prime Minister speaks, people listen.”
Admired globally for his diplomacy and vision.
Challenges and Controversies:
1. Corruption Scandals:
Dr. Singh’s second term as Prime Minister was marred by allegations of large-scale corruption, including:
These scandals severely dented his image and the Congress party’s credibility.
2. Policy Paralysis:
Accused of indecisiveness and failing to act decisively during critical situations.
Economic challenges, including inflation and price rises, added to public discontent.
3. Public Disapproval:
Rahul Gandhi publicly disapproved of a controversial ordinance during Dr. Singh’s tenure, further undermining his authority.
Political opponents consistently criticized him as being a “remote-controlled” PM.
Conclusion:
Legacy:
Dr. Manmohan Singh will be remembered for his dual role:
Architect of Modern India’s Economy:
His 1991 reforms steered India towards globalization and economic growth.
Statesman and Diplomat:
Advocated for India’s global integration, leaving a lasting impact on foreign relations.
Mixed Tenure:
While his achievements in economic policy and diplomacy earned him widespread acclaim, his tenure as Prime Minister was fraught with challenges, including corruption scandals and political instability.
Final Thoughts: