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Dr Manmohan Singh was elected as the 13th Prime Minister of India, the position which he retained for the second time.
Former PM Manmohan Singh spearheaded the significant initiative for India’s development. (Image: PTI/File)
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 92. He was cremated with full state honours, in the presence of top dignitaries from India and abroad, on Saturday. Take a look at Dr Manmohan Singh’s lasting legacy, which marked a turning point in Indian history.
Key Initiatives By Dr Manmohan Singh As PM (2004-2014)
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005)
One of the most significant initiatives by Manmohan Singh was the launch of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2005. Through this, he aimed to provide 100 days of assured wage employment per year to rural households. The scheme helped enhance livelihood security and also empower the people.
2. Right to Information Act (2005)
To bring transparency and accountability for all, Singh during his first tenure implemented the Right to Information Act in 2005, during the second year of his decade-long leadership. This empowered citizens to seek information from public authorities, allowing more openness in the overall system.
3. Indo-US Nuclear Agreement (2005)
Manmohan Singh made a historic shift, showcasing his strategic vision with the nuclear deal with America. The Indo-US nuclear agreement was a landmark move that granted India access to advanced nuclear technology and resources. Singh, who was convinced about the futuristic outcomes of the deal showed extreme determination to push it through, even at the stake of his government during a confidence vote in parliament.
4. Right to Education Act (2009)
In an important step towards mandating education among children, his government enacted the Right to Education Act in 2009, declaring education as a fundamental right for every child between the ages of 6 and 14. Under this act, quality education has been made accessible to every kid across the country.
5. Agricultural Debt Waiver (2008)
In a bid to address the agrarian crisis, Singh’s government initiated a loan waiver scheme called the Agricultural Debt Waiver in 2008. As a part of it, the government allotted Rs 71,000 crore, largely benefiting millions of farmers in India. The scheme was dubbed one of the largest farm loan waivers.
6. Aadhaar (2010)
Dr Manmohan Singh’s government also launched another initiative with Aadhaar, which has now emerged as the largest biometric identification system, providing every citizen with a unique ID in India. He launched the initiative in 2010 with then Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
7. National Food Security Act (2013)
Another crucial initiative taken by his government was the introduction of the National Food Security Act in 2013. It aimed to provide subsidised foodgrains to proximity 2/3rd of the Indian population to ensure food security for millions of people.
