New Delhi: Politician, academician, bureaucrat cum renowned economist Manmohan Singh, who guided India through significant economic reforms and led the country as its Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away at aged 92 at AIIMS Delhi on December 26.
According to AIIMS' official statement, Manmohan Singh died of old age medical conditions. The former Indian PM was admitted on Thursday evening after he suddenly lost consciousness at his residence. The government has declared seven days of national mourning and announced a state funeral for the Congress leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Manmohan Singh, describing him as one of India's ‘most distinguished leaders.’ The Prime Minister took to X, formerly known as Twitter. He wrote, “Rising from humble origins, he became a respected economist and served in various government roles, including as a Finance Minister, shaping India's economic policies. His interventions in Parliament were insightful, and as Prime Minister, he worked tirelessly to improve lives. His passing is deeply saddening, and I extend my condolences to his family and admirers.”
Manmohan Singh's Political Journey
Manmohan Singh served as a member of the Rajya Sabha since 1991, including a tenure as Leader of the Opposition from 1998 to 2004, before retiring in April 2024. On the international stage, he represented India at key global conferences, including the 1993 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Cyprus and the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh implemented landmark policies, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005), which guaranteed 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households, and the Right to Information Act (2005) to promote government transparency. In 2013, his government also introduced the National Food Security Act, ensuring subsidized food grains for nearly two-thirds of India’s population.
Prior to becoming India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh played a pivotal role as the country's Finance Minister (1991 to 1996) under the leadership of PM Narasimha Rao. His leadership during this period marked a turning point in India's economic history, ushering in comprehensive reforms that liberalized the economy. Among the many accolades in his career, Manmohan Singh was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, in 1987.
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PTI reported that former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan described Manmohan Singh as a man of integrity and vision, praising his ability to attract talented colleagues like Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Rakesh Mohan. “He was a brilliant economist with a clear vision for India’s potential, coupled with a pragmatic understanding of political realities,” Raghuram Rajan said, adding that the former PM would listen intently to others, including critics, and never used his office for personal gain.
Manmohan Singh leaves a legacy of transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to India’s progress.
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