Dr. Manmohan Singh 26 September 1932 – 26 December 2024) was an Indian politician, economist, academic, and bureaucrat who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the fourth longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Narendra Modi. A member of the Indian National Congress, Singh was the first Sikh prime minister of India. He was also the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term.
Born in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh's family migrated to India during its partition in 1947. After obtaining his doctorate in economics from Oxford, Singh worked for the United Nations from 1966 to 1969. He subsequently began his bureaucratic career when Lalit Narayan Mishra hired him as an advisor in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. During the 1970s and 1980s, Singh held several key posts in the Government of India, such as Chief Economic Advisor (1972–1976), Governor of the Reserve Bank (1982–1985), and Head of the Planning Commission (1985–1987).
In 1991, as India faced a severe economic crisis, the newly elected Prime Minister, P. V. Narasimha Rao, inducted the apolitical Dr. Manmohan Singh into his cabinet as Finance Minister. Over the next few years, despite strong opposition, Singh implemented several structural reforms that liberalized India's economy. These measures successfully averted the crisis and enhanced Singh's reputation globally as a leading reform-minded economist. However, the incumbent Congress Party fared poorly in the 1996 general election. Subsequently, Singh served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government from 1998 to 2004.
In 2004, when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance came to power, its chairperson Sonia Gandhi unexpectedly relinquished the prime ministership to Singh. His first ministry executed several key legislations and projects, including the National Rural Health Mission, Unique Identification Authority, Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and Right to Information Act. In 2008, opposition to a historic civil nuclear agreement with the United States nearly caused Singh's government to fall after Left Front parties withdrew their support. Despite this, India's economy grew rapidly during his term.
The 2009 general election saw the UPA return with an increased mandate, with Singh retaining the office of Prime Minister. Over the next few years, Singh's second ministry faced a number of corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the 2G spectrum allocation case, and the allocation of coal blocks. After his term ended, he opted out of the race for the office of Prime Minister during the 2014 Indian general election. Singh was never a member of the Lok Sabha but served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the state of Assam from 1991 to 2019 and Rajasthan from 2019 to 2024.
Early Life and Education of Dr. Manmohan Singh
Dr. Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, to Gurmukh Singh Kohli and Amrit Kaur in Gah, Punjab, British India (now in Punjab, Pakistan). His family belonged to the Punjabi Sikh traders of Khatri background. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was very young, and he was raised by his paternal grandmother, Jamna Devi, with whom he shared a close bond. His early education was in Urdu medium until the age of 10, after which he attended an upper-primary school in Peshawar. Even as Prime Minister, Singh wrote his Hindi speeches in the Urdu script, occasionally using Gurmukhi, the script for his mother tongue, Punjabi.
Following the Partition of India, Singh's family migrated to Haldwani, India, and later relocated to Amritsar in 1948. He studied at Hindu College, Amritsar, and then attended Panjab University in Hoshiarpur, where he excelled in Economics, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in 1952 and 1954, respectively. He consistently stood first throughout his academic career. In 1957, he completed his Economics Tripos at the University of Cambridge, where he was a member of St John's College.
In a 2005 interview with British journalist Mark Tully, Singh reflected on his days at Cambridge, crediting his teachers Joan Robinson and Nicholas Kaldor for shaping his understanding of the creative role of politics in human affairs. Robinson, a brilliant teacher, challenged him to think critically and embrace the left-wing interpretation of Keynes, advocating for state intervention to achieve social equity. Kaldor, on the other hand, influenced Singh with his pragmatic and stimulating approach, demonstrating that capitalism could be made to work effectively.
After completing his studies at Cambridge, Singh returned to India and began teaching at Panjab University. In 1960, he pursued his DPhil at the University of Oxford, where he was a member of Nuffield College. His 1962 doctoral thesis, supervised by Ian Little, was titled "India's export performance, 1951–1960, export prospects and policy implications," and later formed the basis for his book "India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth."
Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Distinguished Career in Economics and Public Service
After completing his D.Phil., Dr. Manmohan Singh returned to India and embarked on an illustrious academic and professional journey. From 1957 to 1959, he served as a senior lecturer of economics at Panjab University. Between 1959 and 1963, he was a reader in economics at the same university, and from 1963 to 1965, he held the position of economics professor. His expertise led him to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), where he worked from 1966 to 1969. Recognizing his talent as an economist, Lalit Narayan Mishra appointed him as an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
From 1969 to 1971, Singh was a professor of international trade at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. In 1972, he became the Chief Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance, and by 1976, he was serving as the secretary in the Finance Ministry. His career continued to ascend as he joined the Planning Commission from 1980 to 1982. In 1982, under then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Singh was appointed as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, a position he held until 1985. He then became the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission from 1985 to 1987.
Following his tenure at the Planning Commission, Singh served as the Secretary General of the South Commission, an independent economic policy think tank headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1987 to November 1990. Upon returning to India in November 1990, he was appointed as the advisor to the Prime Minister of India on economic affairs during Chandra Shekhar's tenure. In March 1991, he became the chairman of the University Grants Commission.
Dr. Singh's extensive experience and contributions in various economic and administrative roles have left a lasting impact on India's economic policies and development. His leadership and vision continue to be celebrated and remembered for their profound influence on the nation's growth.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Distinguished Political Career
In June 1991, as India faced a severe economic crisis, Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao appointed Dr. Manmohan Singh as his Finance Minister. Singh recounted to British journalist Mark Tully in 2005 how Rao's Principal Secretary tracked him down, insisting he come to Rashtrapati Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony. This marked the beginning of Singh's political journey.
Minister of Finance
In 1991, India grappled with a fiscal deficit close to 8.5% of GDP, a significant balance of payments deficit, and foreign reserves barely amounting to US$1 billion. Singh warned the Prime Minister and the party of the unprecedented crisis. Despite resistance, Rao allowed Singh to deregulate the Indian economy. Singh eliminated the permit raj, reduced state control, and lowered import taxes. These reforms opened up the economy, dismantled the License Raj, and facilitated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and privatization of public sector companies. Although these reforms were successful, Rao's government was voted out in 1996 due to other non-performance issues. Singh's role in India's economic reforms has been compared to Deng Xiaoping's in China by long-time Cabinet minister P. Chidambaram.
In 1993, Singh offered his resignation after a parliamentary investigation criticized his ministry for not anticipating a US$1.8 billion securities scandal. Prime Minister Rao refused his resignation, promising to punish those directly accused.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha
Singh was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1991 by the legislature of Assam and re-elected in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. From 1998 to 2004, during the Bharatiya Janata Party's tenure, Singh served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. In 1999, he contested for the Lok Sabha from South Delhi but did not win the seat.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Thoughts and Quotes
Dr. Manmohan Singh was known for his profound intellect and thoughtful insights. Here are some of his notable quotes:
- "Unity and secularism will be the motto of the government. We can't afford divisive polity in India."
- "India happens to be a rich country inhabited by very poor people."
- "Life is never free of contradictions."
- "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come."
These quotes reflect his deep understanding of India's socio-economic challenges and his vision for a united and progressive nation. Dr. Singh's words continue to inspire and resonate with many.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Prime Ministerial Tenure and Impact
First Term: 2004–2009
After the 2004 general elections, the Indian National Congress ended the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) tenure by becoming the political party with the single largest number of seats in the Lok Sabha. It formed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) with allies and staked claim to form the government. In a surprising move, Chairperson Sonia Gandhi declared Dr. Manmohan Singh, a technocrat, as the UPA candidate for the prime ministership. Despite never having won a direct popular election, Singh "enjoyed massive popular support" due to his reputation as a clean politician. He took the oath as the Prime Minister of India on 22 May 2004.
Economic Policy
As Finance Minister in 1991, Singh abolished the Licence Raj, which had been a source of slow economic growth and corruption for decades. He liberalized the Indian economy, accelerating development. During his term as Prime Minister, Singh continued to foster growth in the Indian market, achieving an 8–9% economic growth rate. In 2007, India reached its highest GDP growth rate of 9%, becoming the second fastest-growing major economy in the world. Singh's ministry enacted the National Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2005.
Singh's government continued the Golden Quadrilateral and highway modernization programs initiated by Vajpayee's government. He also worked on reforming the banking and financial sectors, as well as public sector companies. The Finance Ministry relieved farmers of their debt and pursued pro-industry policies. In 2005, Singh's government introduced the value-added tax, replacing sales tax. However, global inflation in 2007 and early 2008 impacted India.
Healthcare and Education
In 2005, Singh's government launched the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM), mobilizing half a million community health workers. This initiative was praised by American economist Jeffrey Sachs. In 2006, the government implemented a proposal to reserve 27% of seats in central institutions of higher education for Other Backward Classes, leading to the 2006 Indian anti-reservation protests.
On 2 July 2009, Singh's ministry introduced the Right to Education Act (RTE). Eight new IITs were opened in various states, and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan program continued, improving mid-day meals and opening schools across India, especially in rural areas, to combat illiteracy.
Security and Home Affairs
Singh's government strengthened anti-terror laws with amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to combat terrorism. The Unique Identification Authority of India was established in February 2009 to implement the Multipurpose National Identity Card, enhancing national security and facilitating e-governance.
Singh's administration initiated a massive reconstruction effort in Kashmir to stabilize the region. Although insurgent infiltration and terrorism in Kashmir increased after some initial success, the administration successfully reduced terrorism in Northeast India.
Notable Legislation
During Dr. Manmohan Singh's tenure, several significant legislations were passed that had a profound impact on India's socio-economic landscape. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI) were both enacted in 2005. While the effectiveness of NREGA varied across regions, the RTI Act proved crucial in combating corruption in India. Additionally, new cash benefits were introduced for widows, pregnant women, and landless persons.
In 2013, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act was passed, receiving the President's assent on 27 September 2013 and coming into force on 1 January 2014. Another landmark legislation was the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, enacted on 4 August 2009, which made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.
Foreign Policy
Dr. Singh continued the pragmatic foreign policy initiated by P.V. Narasimha Rao and continued by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He pursued the peace process with Pakistan and made efforts to resolve the border dispute with China. Notable developments included the reopening of the Nathula Pass in 2006 and the establishment of sister-city partnerships between Delhi-Beijing, Kolkata-Kunming, and Bangalore-Chengdu. By 2010, China had become India's second-largest trade partner.
Relations with Afghanistan improved significantly, with India becoming the largest regional donor. During Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit to New Delhi in 2008, Singh increased the aid package for Afghanistan's development. Under Singh's leadership, India emerged as one of the largest aid donors to Afghanistan.
Singh's government also worked towards stronger ties with the United States. He initiated negotiations over the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, which was signed in 2008, giving India access to American nuclear fuel and technology. Singh's administration also focused on expanding relations with Japan, the European Union, and other developing countries, particularly Brazil and South Africa.
Efforts to strengthen ties with Israel were notable, with significant investments made between the two countries. Despite some diplomatic challenges with Russia, relations remained strong, with various agreements signed to enhance cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and space.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Second Term as Prime Minister (2009–2014)
Re-Election and Formation of Government
India held general elections to the 15th Lok Sabha in five phases between 16 April 2009 and 13 May 2009. The results, announced on 16 May 2009, saw a strong showing in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. This helped the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) form the new government under the incumbent Dr. Manmohan Singh, who became the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962 to win re-election after completing a full five-year term. The Congress and its allies secured a comfortable majority with support from 322 members out of 543 in the House, including external support from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and other minor parties. On 22 May 2009, Singh was sworn in as the Prime Minister during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Economic and Political Challenges
During Singh's second term, a 2012 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India stated that the allocation of coal blocks to certain private companies without a bidding process resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 1.85 trillion to the nation between 2005 and 2009, a period when Singh was the Coal Minister. Additionally, Singh declined to appear before a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in April 2013 when called upon by member Yashwant Sinha for his alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum case.
Legislative Achievements and Foreign Policy
Despite these challenges, Singh's government continued to focus on legislative achievements and foreign policy. Notable legislations during his tenure included the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI), both enacted in 2005. The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act was passed in 2013, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act was enacted in 2009.
In terms of foreign policy, Singh continued the pragmatic approach initiated by P.V. Narasimha Rao and continued by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He pursued the peace process with Pakistan and made efforts to resolve the border dispute with China. Relations with Afghanistan improved significantly, with India becoming the largest regional donor. Singh's government also worked towards stronger ties with the United States, Japan, the European Union, and other developing countries, particularly Brazil and South Africa. Efforts to strengthen ties with Israel were notable, with significant investments made between the two countries.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Post-Premiership (2014–2024)
End of Premiership and Transition
Dr. Manmohan Singh's premiership officially ended at noon on 17 May 2014. He did not contest the 2014 general election for the 16th Lok Sabha as the prime ministerial candidate. After the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance won the election, Singh resigned from his post as Prime Minister. He served as the acting Prime Minister until 26 May 2014, when Narendra Modi was sworn in as the new Prime Minister. Singh, along with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former Presidents A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil, and Vice-President Hamid Ansari, attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony.
Academic Pursuits and Retirement
In 2016, it was announced that Singh would take up a position at Panjab University as the Jawaharlal Nehru Chair, although he eventually did not assume this role. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha in April 2024 and was succeeded by Sonia Gandhi.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Public Image and Legacy
Revered Leader and Integrity
Dr. Manmohan Singh is widely regarded as one of the world's most revered leaders, known for his uncommon decency and grace. The Independent highlighted his humility, noting that he drives a Maruti 800, one of the humblest cars in the Indian market. Khushwant Singh praised him as the best prime minister India has had, even rating him higher than Jawaharlal Nehru. In his book "Absolute Khushwant: The Low-Down on Life, Death and Most Things In-between," Khushwant Singh recounted an incident where Dr. Singh, after losing the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, promptly returned the ₹2 lakh (US$2,400) he had borrowed for hiring taxis. Khushwant Singh termed him as the best example of integrity, stating, "When people talk of integrity, I say the best example is the man who occupies the country's highest office."
Global Recognition and Awards
In 2010, Newsweek magazine recognized Dr. Singh as a world leader respected by other heads of state, describing him as "the leader other leaders love." Mohamed ElBaradei remarked that Singh is "the model of what a political leader should be." Singh received the World Statesman Award in 2010, with Henry Kissinger praising him as "a statesman with vision, persistence, and integrity." Singh was ranked 18th on the 2010 Forbes list of the World's Most Powerful People, with Forbes describing him as "universally praised as India's best prime minister since Nehru." Australian journalist Greg Sheridan lauded Singh as "one of the greatest statesmen in Asian history." Time magazine described Singh as "guiding India into the ranks of the great powers."
Criticism and Challenges
Conversely, Time magazine's Asia edition in July 2012 labeled Singh as an "underachiever," stating that he appeared "unwilling to stick his neck out" on reforms to put the country back on a growth path. Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari and UPA ally Lalu Prasad Yadav rebutted these charges, defending the government's performance. Singh faced criticism following the 2008 Mumbai attacks for not enhancing national security effectively.
Praise from Global Leaders
In his 2020 memoir "A Promised Land," former U.S. President Barack Obama described Singh as "wise, thoughtful, and scrupulously honest." Despite political opponents like BJP co-founder L. K. Advani labeling Singh as a "weak" prime minister, others like Arvind Kejriwal in 2018 expressed that people missed having an educated PM like Dr. Singh. In 2022, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged the country's indebtedness to Singh for the liberalization that gave a new direction.
Legacy and Recognition
In 2013, BJP leader Narendra Modi had termed Singh as a "night watchman" and a "puppet of the Gandhi family." However, on 8 February 2024, Modi praised Singh, stating, "Ideological differences are short-lived, but the way Manmohan Singh has guided this House and the country for such a long period, he will be remembered for his contributions during every discussion on our democracy." Modi also recalled Singh arriving at Parliament in a wheelchair to cast his vote on key legislation.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Family and Personal Life
Marriage and Children
Dr. Manmohan Singh married Gursharan Kaur in 1958. They have three daughters: Upinder Singh, Daman Singh, and Amrit Singh. Upinder Singh is a professor of history at Ashoka University. Daman Singh, a graduate of St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Gujarat, is the author of "The Last Frontier: People and Forests in Mizoram" and the novel "Nine by Nine." Amrit Singh is a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union.
Extended Family
Singh's son-in-law, Ashok Pattnaik, a 1983 batch Indian Police Service officer, was appointed CEO of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) in 2016.
Personal Challenges and Contributions
During the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, Singh was attacked and provided financial assistance to the Citizens' Relief Committee. He controversially apologized on behalf of the Indian National Congress for the bloodshed during the riots.
Residence
Until his death, Dr. Singh resided at 3 Motilal Nehru Marg in New Delhi.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Death and Legacy
Health Challenges and Final Days
Dr. Manmohan Singh underwent multiple cardiac bypass surgeries, with the last one taking place in January 2009. In May 2020, he was hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi due to a negative reaction to his medication. In October 2021, Singh was hospitalized again at AIIMS after experiencing weakness and a fever.
On 26 December 2024, Singh was admitted to the emergency department of AIIMS for issues related to heart disease and old age. He had collapsed earlier at his home in New Delhi. Singh passed away a few hours after his hospitalization at the age of 92.
Tributes and National Mourning
Following his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Singh one of "India's most distinguished leaders" and declared national mourning. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda issued statements praising Singh and his leadership.