From Economic Advisor to Prime Minister: How Manmohan Singh Achieved Milestones Like Aadhaar, MNREGA, and RTI

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 92. He was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi after collapsing at home, but despite extensive treatment, he could not be revived. A team of doctors declared him dead on Thursday night, leaving the nation in mourning.

Dr. Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, played a pivotal role in rescuing India from economic crises and transforming the nation’s financial landscape. A prominent economist and statesman, his contributions spanned over four decades in various critical roles in India’s financial and political sectors.

### **A Lifetime of Achievements**

Dr. Singh’s career began in 1966 as an economic affairs officer for the United Nations Conference. By 1971, he had become an economic advisor in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was later appointed Chief Economic Advisor in 1972. He served as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 1982 to 1985.

In 1991, Dr. Singh was appointed Finance Minister in the Narasimha Rao government, a role where he initiated transformative reforms in liberalization, privatization, and globalization. These reforms opened India’s economy to global markets, significantly altering the country’s economic trajectory.

**Key Milestones as Prime Minister**

Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister saw the introduction of several landmark policies:

- **Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005**: Ensured government accountability and transparency.

- **MNREGA, 2005**: Guaranteed 100 days of employment to rural families, providing significant relief to the poor.

- **Aadhaar, 2009**: Introduced as a unique identity program, now central to citizen services.

- **National Food Security Act, 2013**: Aimed at ensuring food security for the underprivileged.

- **Agricultural Loan Waiver Scheme, 2008**: Waived ₹60,000 crore in loans, alleviating the burden on farmers.

- **Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)**: Improved the efficiency of welfare programs by minimizing leakages.

**The Landmark Nuclear Deal**

In 2006, under his leadership, India signed a historic nuclear agreement with the United States, securing an exemption from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This allowed India to separate civilian and military nuclear programs and import uranium from countries with advanced nuclear technology.

**Political Journey**

Dr. Singh first entered Parliament in 1991 as a Rajya Sabha member from Assam. He was re-elected multiple times, serving as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2004. On May 22, 2004, he took the oath as India’s 13th Prime Minister, following a proposal by Sonia Gandhi in the Congress Working Committee. He remained Prime Minister for two consecutive terms.

 **A Humble Yet Transformative Leader**

Throughout his career, Dr. Singh was known for his integrity, intellect, and humility. His policies of economic liberalization, as well as his vision for India’s development, have left an indelible mark on the country’s history. He will always be remembered as the pioneer of economic reforms and a leader who redefined India’s economic and political trajectory.