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

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

Key Initiatives

First Term (2004-2009)

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): This was a landmark legislation in 2005, as it gave a legal guarantee to each rural household for getting at least 100 days of wage employment in any financial year. It enhanced livelihood security and empowered the rural community.
2. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): It was implemented in 2005. The primary 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 was enacted in 2009, which declared education as a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. This made quality education accessible to every child in India.
4. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI): It was established to create a unique identification number for residents to improve access to government services and reduce corruption in welfare programs.
5. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): This initiative was initiated to transfer subsidies directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, thereby minimizing leakages and ensuring that the benefits reached the targeted recipients.

Second Term (2009-2014)

1. Civil Nuclear Agreement with the United States: This historic agreement was meant to break India's nuclear isolation and pave the way for civilian nuclear cooperation with the U.S., marking a sea change in India's foreign policy.
2. Economic Growth: During Singh's second term, India maintained good GDP growth rates, with the economy growing at a 9% annual rate and peaking around that mark.
3. National Food Security Act: This act came into operation in 2013 by providing food grains to about two-thirds of India's population to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
4. Aadhaar Project: The idea is to provide a unique identification number for residents in India, and access to numerous services and benefits while promoting transparency.

Notable Quotes

Dr. Singh's quotes reflect his thoughts on governance, integrity, and the challenges faced during his tenure:

• "I would be the last person to say there is no scope for doing more." This quote illustrates his belief in continuous improvement and accountability.
• "I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than contemporary media." Singh often expressed confidence that future generations would recognize his contributions despite contemporary criticisms.
• "Unity and secularism will be the motto of the government. We can't afford divisive polity in India." This statement underscores his commitment to maintaining harmony in a diverse nation.
• "India is a rich country inhabited by very poor people." This poignant observation highlights the paradox of India's economic growth amid widespread poverty.
• "A loser has 'given up on his dreams'; so long as you are trying, you haven't lost yet!" This quote reflects his optimistic outlook on perseverance and resilience.
  
  Also Read | Former Dr. Manmohan Singh Biography: Age, Education, Political Career, Awards and Honours

Books

Dr. Manmohan Singh authored several works that encapsulate his thoughts on economics, governance, and policy-making:

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

Legacy

He had the legacy of huge economic reforms that changed India from one of the slowest-growing economies in the world to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. His leadership in a crisis was characterized by tenacity and a commitment to inclusive development. Though many criticized him as a "weak Prime Minister," he never lost his composure during his tenure.

His initiatives have touched the lives of millions of people across India, especially in the area of social welfare schemes focused on poverty eradication and empowerment. The country remembers Dr. Singh who passed away on December 26, 2024, and reflects on a leader whose vision has shaped modern India while moving through political complexities with dignity and humility.

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