5 Decisions That Make the Nation Bow Before Dr. Manmohan Singh

Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister, passed away on Thursday (December 26) at 9:51 PM at AIIMS Delhi. Serving as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, and entering politics in 1991 as Finance Minister under P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr. Singh’s legacy is marked by pivotal decisions that transformed the nation’s economic and social fabric. Here are five landmark decisions taken during his tenure that left an indelible impact on India:

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

Introduced in 2005 as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (later renamed MGNREGA), this initiative aimed to combat rural unemployment and poverty. The program guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, promoting financial stability and infrastructure development in villages.

2. Right to Information Act (RTI)

In 2005, Dr. Singh's government passed the Right to Information Act, empowering citizens to seek information from public authorities. This revolutionary act increased transparency, ensured accountability, and became a crucial tool for addressing corruption in governance.

3. Introduction of Aadhaar

In 2009, Dr. Singh’s government laid the foundation for the Aadhaar initiative by establishing the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Aadhaar provided a universal identity for Indian citizens, simplifying access to various government services and fostering financial inclusion.

4. India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement

The Indo-US nuclear deal stands as one of Dr. Singh’s landmark achievements. Finalized during his tenure, the deal allowed India access to nuclear technology and fuel from countries under the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). It enabled India to separate its civilian and military nuclear programs, fostering energy security and strengthening global partnerships.

5. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

Dr. Singh initiated the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to streamline subsidy delivery. By linking beneficiaries' bank accounts, the scheme ensured that government subsidies and welfare payments reached the intended recipients without leakages or intermediaries. Millions of citizens benefit from this initiative today.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s decisions reflect his visionary leadership and commitment to India's progress. His contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.