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Key Reforms by Manmohan Singh: From Healthcare to Nuclear Deal
Team Finance Saathi
27/Dec/2024
What's covered under the Article:
- Manmohan Singh’s key reforms including NRHM, MGNREGA, Aadhaar, and RTE Act.
- Singh’s leadership in the India-US Nuclear Deal, reshaping India’s energy and global standing.
- The enduring impact of these reforms on India's economy, governance, and social infrastructure.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India (2004-2014), was a visionary leader whose tenure was marked by significant reforms that fundamentally shaped the country’s economic growth, governance, and social infrastructure. His leadership focused on pressing national issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare access, education, and transparency in governance.
Here’s a look at the landmark reforms introduced during his administration:
1. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
Launched in 2005, the NRHM sought to improve healthcare services, particularly in rural India. The initiative focused on maternal health, child health, immunization, and disease control. Key elements like the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) program and Universal Immunization played a crucial role in bridging healthcare gaps. Despite infrastructural challenges, the NRHM significantly reduced maternal and child mortality rates, contributing to healthier communities in rural areas.
2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
The MGNREGA (2005) was a historic law aimed at providing livelihood security in rural India. It guaranteed 100 days of wage employment per year for rural households. The program focused on unskilled manual labor, encouraging rural infrastructure development through projects like water conservation, irrigation, and road construction. Financial inclusion was promoted through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), ensuring marginalized communities, especially women and Scheduled Castes/Tribes, were empowered by participation.
3. Aadhaar: Revolutionizing Welfare Delivery
In 2009, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identification number for every Indian. Aadhaar became instrumental in facilitating direct benefit transfers, reducing subsidy leakages, and promoting financial inclusion. It empowered millions, particularly in rural areas, to access financial services and open bank accounts. Additionally, Aadhaar streamlined digital transactions and enabled the growth of India's digital economy.
4. Right to Education (RTE) Act
The Right to Education Act (RTE), passed in 2009 and implemented in 2010, made education free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 14 years. It emphasized quality education, mandating 25% reservation for underprivileged children in private schools. The Act's inclusive approach led to a significant increase in school enrollment and improved literacy levels, especially in marginalized communities. Despite challenges such as teacher shortages, it remains a critical step towards universal education.
5. The Right to Information (RTI) Act
Enacted in 2005, the RTI Act was a monumental step toward government transparency. This legislation empowered citizens to request information from public authorities, ensuring accountability in governance. The Act played a crucial role in exposing corruption, including the 2G spectrum scam, which revealed a ₹1.76 trillion loss to the public exchequer. Despite recent efforts to dilute the Act’s impact, it remains an essential tool for citizen empowerment and democratic accountability.
6. The India-US Civil Nuclear Deal
In 2005, Singh's leadership secured the India-US Civil Nuclear Deal, a game-changing agreement that allowed India to access nuclear technology and establish a stable energy future. The deal lifted international sanctions imposed after India's 1998 nuclear tests and earned India a special waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This deal not only bolstered India's energy security but also enhanced its standing as a responsible nuclear power on the global stage.
The India-US nuclear deal marked a strategic shift in India’s foreign policy, opening the door for partnerships with countries like France, Russia, and Japan. It also promoted the participation of the private sector in nuclear energy, fostering innovations such as small modular reactors.
Singh’s Enduring Legacy
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s reforms were designed to tackle India’s most pressing challenges while setting the stage for long-term growth and development. His approach to governance, emphasizing transparency, poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare, remains integral to India’s continued progress.
As the country mourns the loss of this iconic leader, his visionary reforms continue to shape India’s path toward a brighter future.
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