Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, September 26, 2024, extended warm wishes to his predecessor and Congress leader Dr Manmohan Singh on his 92^nd birthday.

He took to X (formerly Twitter) and wished the former PM.

This is to be noted that Manmohan Singh served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the first Sikh to hold this office and led the country through significant economic reforms and growth during his tenure.

Born in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh is an Indian economist, academician, and politician. He has made many significant impacts during his service.

Here are some Career Highlights of Manmohan Singh

• Economic and Bureaucrat: Before entering politics, Singh held several key economic advisory positions in the Indian government. He served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
• Finance Minister: He has also served as the Finance Minister of India from 1991 to 1996. During that period, he implemented several key reforms that helped India’s economy transform, including devaluing the rupee, lowering taxes, and encouraging foreign investment.
• Prime Minister: During his tenure as the Prime Minister of the country, Singh focused on economic growth, improving conditions for poor parts of the country, and securing peace with neighboring Pakistan. His government also introduced several vital schemes including the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI).

MGNREGA by Manmohan Singh

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted in 2005. It is one of the largest work guarantee programs in the world. Its vision is to enhance the livelihood security of rural households across the country by facilitating 100 days of guaranteed wage employment.

Objective

• To provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• To Enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing wage employment and creating durable assets.

Key Features

• Legal Right to Work: Unlike earlier schemes, MGNREGA provides a guarantee for work. If work is not provided within 15 days of application, applicants are entitled to an employment allowance.
• Decentralized Planning: Emphasizes the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in planning and implementing works. At least 50% of the works must be executed by Gram Panchayats.
•  Inclusive Approach: At least one-third of the beneficiaries must be women. The scheme also prioritizes marginalized sections, including SC, ST and OBCs, and Women-headed households.
• Transparency and Accountability: It ensures transparency through social audits, grievance redressal mechanisms, and proactive public disclosure.

Right to Information (RTI) by Manmohan Singh

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, of 2005 is a landmark legislation in India. It empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.

Objectives

• Transparency and Accountability: The primary aim is to ensure transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority
• Empowerment of Citizens: It empowers citizens to seek information, by promoting an informed citizenry and containing corruption.

Key Features

• Right to access Information: Citizens have the right to seek or request information from any public authority, which is required to reply expeditiously or within 30 days.
• Public Authorities: The act covers all levels of government, including central, state, and local bodies, as well as institutions substantially funded by government.
• Information Commissions: It helps to establish central and state information commissions to oversee implementation of the Act.