Dr. Manmohan Singh: Quotes, Books and Key Initiatives During First and Second Term as PM of India

Dr. Manmohan Singh served as Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 and is remembered for his important role in changing the face of India’s economy and initiating major social reforms. His tenure was marked by inclusive growth, economic liberalization and social justice. This article will discuss his major initiatives, famous quotes and contributions during his tenure through books.

Main initiatives

First semester (2004-2009)

  1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): This is a landmark legislation of 2005 as it provides legal guarantee to every rural household to obtain at least 100 days of paid employment in any financial year. It increases livelihood security and empowers rural communities.
  2. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Implemented in 2005. The main objective of NRHM is to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to the rural population with a focus on maternal and child health.
  3. Right to Education Act (RTE): The RTE Act, enacted in 2009, declares education as a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. This makes quality education accessible to every child in India.
  4. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI): It was established to create unique identification numbers for residents to improve access to government services and reduce corruption in welfare schemes.
  5. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): This initiative aims to transfer subsidies directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, thereby minimizing leakages and ensuring benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

books

Dr Manmohan Singh has written several books summarizing his thoughts on economics, governance and policy making:

  1. The Accidental Prime Minister: Although not written by Singh himself, Sanjaya Baru’s book discusses Singh’s tenure as prime minister from an insider’s perspective. It provides insights into his leadership style and the challenges he faced.
  2. Economic Reforms in India: An Agenda for the Future: In this book, Singh outlines the economic policies that shaped modern India and discusses future challenges and growth opportunities.
  3. A Decade of Economic Reform: This work reflects on the economic changes he implemented as finance minister and later as prime minister, emphasizing the importance of liberalization in driving growth.

heritage

He left a legacy of tremendous economic reforms that transformed India from one of the world’s slowest-growing economies to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. His leadership in crises has been characterized by tenacity and a commitment to inclusive development. Although many criticized him as a “weak prime minister”, he never lost his cool during his time in office.

His initiatives have impacted the lives of millions of people in India, especially in the area of ​​social welfare programs focused on poverty eradication and empowerment. The nation remembers Dr. Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, and reflects on the leader whose vision shaped modern India while navigating complex political situations with dignity and humility.

Also Read | List of All Prime Ministers of India (1947-2025)