Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sunil Jakhar expressed profound grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, lauding his pivotal role in strengthening India’s foundation for progress and economic development.
“He was a global leader. He stood by his words in the interest of the country; everyone appreciated him. He laid the foundation for progress, economic development, and strengthened the country,” Jakhar said in his tribute.
Manmohan Singh’s Legacy
Dr. Singh passed away on Thursday evening at AIIMS, Delhi, at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He suffered a sudden loss of consciousness at home before being rushed to the hospital.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, Singh was not just an economist but also served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985. He became India’s 13th Prime Minister and served from 2004 to 2014, making him the country’s longest-serving PM after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Key Contributions:
- Economic Liberalisation of 1991:
As Finance Minister under PV Narasimha Rao’s government, Singh initiated transformative reforms, opening India’s economy to foreign investments, boosting FDI, and reducing government controls. These changes significantly propelled the nation’s economic growth. - National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA):
His government introduced this landmark act, later renamed MGNREGA, providing a legal guarantee for wage employment to rural workers. - Right to Information Act (RTI):
Passed in 2005, the RTI Act under Singh’s leadership improved transparency and accountability in governance. - Long-Standing Parliamentary Service:
Dr. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after an illustrious 33-year tenure.
A Nation Mourns
Dr. Singh’s passing has left a void in Indian politics, with tributes pouring in from leaders across party lines. His contributions as an economist, visionary policymaker, and dedicated public servant are remembered with great respect.