The Representative

India's Youth News Tank

A timeline of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s illustrious career

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“History will be kinder to me than the media.” These were the words of our Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during his last few months in the office. One of India’s Most respected Economist & the driver of India’s 1991 reforms, Dr. Singh celebrates his 88th birthday today!

Dr. Singh was a rare academic gem in India’s Political Canvas. He is a doctorate holder in Economics from the prestigious University of Oxford. He began his career as an advisor to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Gradually in the 1970s & 1980s, Dr. Singh started making waves with his intellect & persona. He was the Chief Economic Advisor (1972-76), Governor of RBI (1982-85) & subsequently the Head of Planning Commission (1985-87). The most famous & important breakout for Dr. Singh (and India!) was the 1991 LPG reforms. In a surprising move, the then PM PV Narasimha Rao appointed Dr. Singh as the Finance Ministry.

Never before in Indian Politics, an academician was inducted directly into the cabinet. In 1991 Our Economic was such that we could have barely financed 3 weeks’ worth of imports!

Until the resounding budget of 1991 changed India, forever. Much has been written about the 1991 reforms, let’s see some of his achievements after becoming India’s Prime Minister :

  • Introduction of Right to Education Act.
    The youth make a nation. Taking conscience of this, this act was introduced providing compulsory elementary education.
  • Signing the famous Indo – US civilian Nuclear agreement. An important step towards India becoming a nuclear superpower.
  • Introduction of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)
  • Passing the Right to Information Act in 2005, an important step towards ‘democratic’ Democracy.

There are many more achievements by Dr. Singh during his tenure as the PM. However, his biggest achievement is the strong steering of India’s Economy. Indian Economy grew consistently at 8-9% during his tenure. We achieved the highest GDP growth rate of 9% in 2007 during his tenure. The foundation of India’s Economy was led by Dr. Singh, first as the Finance Minister in 1991 & then as the PM. During his tenure, he was constantly ridiculed by the media. Often called names such as the ‘Silent PM’. However sooner then we thought, we now realize his contribution to India’s Economy.

Such was his stature & knowledge in the field of Economics that Former US President Barack Obama has publicly stated that he took help from Dr. Singh to recover from the 2008 Financial Meltdown. We might not acknowledge it now, but after a decade we’ll realise Dr. Singh’s contribution to India building is impeccable & exemplary.

Happy Birthday Dr. Singh!

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