New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh bid farewell to the Rajya Sabha on April 3, marking the end of an illustrious parliamentary career spanning over three decades.
Dr. Singh, aged 91, holds a distinguished legacy as the architect of India’s economic liberalization, which propelled the nation onto the global stage. Serving as the Finance Minister in 1991, he orchestrated bold reforms that opened the Indian economy to global competition, laying the foundation for its exponential growth in subsequent years.
During his tenure as Prime Minister of the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh spearheaded numerous transformative initiatives. Notable among these were the introduction of social welfare schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and the Right to Education, aimed at ensuring inclusive growth and equitable opportunities for all citizens.
Additionally, his government introduced landmark reforms such as the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system and the Aadhaar program, which revolutionized governance and streamlined service delivery mechanisms.
In 2014, the Congress-led UPA government was unseated, paving the way for Narendra Modi to assume office as the Prime Minister of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
Dr. Singh, who never contested Lok Sabha elections, served five terms in the Rajya Sabha representing Assam before shifting to Rajasthan in 2019. His retirement from the Upper House marks the conclusion of an era in Indian politics, leaving an indelible imprint on the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
As India gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, with polling scheduled to commence on April 19, Dr. Singh’s retirement signifies the end of an era, symbolizing a transition in the country’s political landscape.
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