Dr Manmohan Singh’s ambitious vision of a liberal India

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister and architect of India's economic reforms, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024. He is remembered for his role in shaping modern India's economic landscape, especially his contributions as Finance Minister in 1991, when India faced an economic crisis. His legacy as a statesman who balanced economic reforms with political pragmatism continues to shape discussions on governance, policy-making, and leadership in India.

Manmohan Singh's Legacy as an Economist

• Visionary Reforms: Singh's liberalization policies in the early 1990s, implemented with Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, transformed India's economy, transitioning the country from a near-sovereign default to a growing market economy.
• Collaborative Leadership: His ability to attract top economists like Montek Ahluwalia and C. Rangarajan, and his understated leadership style helped in formulating sound economic policies despite the political challenges of coalition governance.
• Reforms and Growth: The economic reforms of the 1990s, particularly in liberalizing trade, finance, and industry, set the stage for India’s decades-long economic growth, lifting millions out of poverty and integrating India into the global economy.

Administrative and Political Contributions

• Key Legislation: Singh’s government enacted landmark policies like the National Food Security Act and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, aimed at alleviating poverty in marginalized sectors of society.
• Strengthening Institutions: The Right to Information Act, a hallmark of transparency, was passed under his leadership, marking a significant step toward accountable governance.
• Foreign Relations and Strategic Vision: His leadership strengthened Indo-US relations, culminating in the 2008 Civil Nuclear Deal, and he played a key role in India’s integration into the global political and economic systems.

Leadership Style and Integrity

• Curiosity and Humility: Singh's ability to listen attentively to others, even during meetings with his economic advisors, demonstrated his humility and interest in diverse perspectives, making him a collaborative leader.
• Handling Criticism: Even in the face of criticism, such as during the 2012 panel discussion, Dr. Singh responded with calm reflection, displaying emotional maturity and a willingness to learn from critiques.
• Personal Integrity: Known for his personal honesty and commitment to public service, Dr. Singh maintained his integrity throughout his career, with no allegations of corruption ever touching him, even during times of political scandal.

Practice Question:

Q. Assess the leadership qualities and policy contributions of Dr. Manmohan Singh, particularly focusing on his economic reforms in the 1990s, his handling of political challenges, and his legacy in institutional development and governance.