PM EXTRAORDINAIRE WHO REMADE INDIA

NT Bureau, Agencies

New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died here on Thursday night. He was 92. Singh's death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where he was admitted in the Emergency ward around 8.30 PM in a critical condition. An AIIMS bulletin said "he was treated for age related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home" on December 26. "Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home.

He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS Delhi at 8.06 pm. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm," said the bulletin. Singh, who was prime minister for two terms in the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014, had been in poor health for the last few months. He is survived by wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her mother Sonia Gandhi reached the hospital as soon as the news of his hospitalisation became known.

'History will be kinder to me than the media' —Singh said In 2014, on being attacked as “weak PM”

Key achievements of Singh:

• 1991 Economic Reforms: As Finance Minister, spearheaded liberalization policies that opened India’s economy, reduced fiscal deficits, and attracted foreign investment.
• GDP Growth: As Prime Minister (2004–2014), oversaw one of India’s highest GDP growth periods, averaging around 8% annually. l Social Welfare Programs: Introduced key schemes like MNREGA, Right to Education, and National Rural Health Mission to address poverty and education gaps.
• Nuclear Agreement: Signed the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, ending India's nuclear isolation and securing energy resources.
• RTI Act: Implemented the Right to Information Act, empowering citizens to hold the government accountable.
• Financial Inclusion: Promoted banking access for rural areas, fostering economic empowerment through initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana precursors.
• Global Recognition: Played a pivotal role in strengthening India's image on the global stage, including securing a permanent seat at G20 summits.

"I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride." — Leader of Oppn Rahul Gandhi

"India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various positions, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy." — PM Narendra Modi