Modi pays tribute to Manmohan Singh on birth anniversary, recalls his dedicated public service

New Delhi, Sep 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on his birth anniversary, recalling his long years in public life and his dedicated service to the nation.

“Tributes to our former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji on his birth anniversary. He spent many years in public life and served the nation with dedication,” Modi said in a post on social media platform X.

Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was one of India’s most distinguished economists and political leaders. He passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92.

An eminent economist, Singh played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic landscape, particularly as Finance Minister in the government of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. The landmark economic reforms of 1991, introduced under their leadership, marked a significant turning point, opening up the Indian economy, easing regulatory restrictions and accelerating its integration with global markets.

Singh later became the country’s 13th Prime Minister, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government for two consecutive terms. His decade-long tenure saw several major policy initiatives, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which established a statutory framework for rural employment, and the Right to Information Act, aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in governance.

His government also focused on sustaining economic growth, expanding social welfare programmes and improving access to education and healthcare. During his tenure, India deepened its engagement with the global economy while pursuing various development and welfare initiatives.

A member of the Rajya Sabha for several decades, Singh remained an influential figure in Indian public life even after demitting office as Prime Minister in 2014.

Singh’s contribution to India’s economic reforms and his long years of public service continue to hold a significant place in the country’s political and economic history. His birth anniversary is observed on September 26.