Manmohan Singh birthday: A look at former PM's transformative reforms

Dr Manmohan Singh a renowned economist and former Prime Minister will turn 91 on September 26 2023 As India celebrates his birthday its an opportune time to reflect on the transformative reforms he brought to the country during his tenure Dr Singhs leadership was marked by a commitment to economic liberalisation social development and diplomatic engagement His legacy continues to shape Indias growth trajectoryEconomic LiberalisationDr Manmohan Singhs most significant contribution to Indias economic landscape was his role in ushering in economic liberalization in 1991 as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao This set of reforms often referred to as the Manmohan Singh reforms includedLiberalisation of Trade Singh reduced import tariffs encouraging foreign investment and making it easier for Indian businesses to compete globallyDeregulation The government reduced its control over various industries allowing greater autonomy for businessesFinancial Sector Reforms These reforms led to the establishment of private banks and opened up the insurance sector to foreign investment promoting competition and financial inclusionFiscal Reforms Singh focused on fiscal discipline which stabilised the economy and helped reduce inflationPrivatisation Stateowned enterprises were privatised or restructured to improve efficiency and reduce government interventionSocial Development InitiativesWhile known for his economic reforms D Manmohan Singh also prioritised social developmentRural Employment Guarantee Scheme The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act MGNREGA provided livelihood security to millions of rural Indians by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment per yearRight to Education The Right to Education Act was enacted to ensure free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14National Rural Health Mission This initiative aimed to provide accessible affordable and quality healthcare to Indias rural populationFood Security The National Food Security Act aimed to provide subsidized food grains to twothirds of Indias population ensuring food security for millionsWomens Empowerment Dr Singhs government promoted womens empowerment through various schemes including financial inclusion and educationDiplomatic AchievementsDuring his tenure Dr Manmohan Singh strengthened Indias diplomatic ties with the worldNuclear Deal with the US The historic IndiaUS civil nuclear agreement marked a significant shift in Indias international standing enabling cooperation on nuclear energyImproved Relations with Neighbors Dr Singhs government focused on building better relations with neighboring countries including Pakistan and China fostering regional stabilityEconomic Diplomacy He actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to boost trade and economic ties with countries worldwideClimate Change Leadership India under Dr Singh played a vital role in international climate negotiations advocating for sustainable development