28 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. The Arc of Singh’s vision      

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 14)

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

The article examines Dr. Manmohan Singh’s multifaceted legacy, highlighting his transformative economic vision, diplomatic acumen, and ethical leadership amidst political challenges.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Unparalleled Legacy

• Manmohan Singh’s legacy defies conventional political analysis. It is often clouded by three simplistic approaches: focusing on his role in economic reforms, viewing his tenure through the failures of UPA II, or diminishing his contributions through reductive epithets like “the accidental prime minister.”
• These views fail to capture the complexity of a man who not only navigated but shaped the zeitgeist of modern India with unmatched grace and decency.
• Singh’s life and career reflect both personal brilliance and an acute understanding of India’s socio-political and economic dynamics.

Economic Reforms: A Transformative Vision

• Singh’s role as an economic reformer is foundational to his legacy. As a policymaker, he presided over landmark reforms that redefined India’s economic trajectory, securing his place among the world’s most influential economic thinkers.
• His tenure as Finance Minister in the 1990s marked India’s entry into a liberalized global economy, while his leadership during UPA I facilitated an unprecedented period of growth, poverty reduction, and infrastructure expansion.
• Yet, his vision extended beyond numbers, emphasizing the psychological and strategic dimensions of liberalization.
• Singh’s confidence in India’s potential to compete globally fostered an economy integrated with global networks, a framework that remains vital today.

A Complex Leadership: The Duality of Power and Reticence

• Manmohan Singh’s leadership as Prime Minister exemplified an unusual combination of immense influence and humble reticence.
• Despite lacking a traditional political base, he ascended to the pinnacle of power, maintaining his characteristic decency and integrity.
• His tenure demonstrated how quiet leadership could achieve strategic breakthroughs, such as strengthened ties with the U.S., improved relations with China, and a nuanced understanding of South Asia.
• Singh’s refusal to succumb to populist demands for retaliation after 26/11 reflected not weakness but a profound understanding of long-term geopolitical strategy.
• His Musharraf-Manmohan agreement exemplified creative diplomacy, though it was ultimately undermined by his own party’s hesitations.

The Nehruvian Legacy: Preparing India for Modernity

• As one of the greatest Nehruvians, Singh embodied a modernity rooted in secularism, consensus-building, and knowledge-driven statecraft.
• His ability to adapt this ethos to contemporary challenges, particularly after the fall of the Soviet Union, ensured India’s strategic positioning in the global order.
• Singh’s policies fostered developmental space for India while maintaining its democratic and inclusive character.
• His approach to governance during UPA I, combining economic liberalization with welfare reforms like NREGA and the Right to Information Act illustrated his ability to balance growth with social responsibility.

Challenges and Shadows: UPA II and Beyond

• The political and economic challenges of UPA II cast a shadow over Singh’s otherwise stellar legacy.
• The Congress Party’s internal dynamics, marked by corruption scandals and unclear leadership, undermined his vision.
• Singh’s stoic silences amidst these controversies were often misconstrued as passivity, diminishing his public standing.
• The party’s failure to project Singh as its greatest asset further eroded his legacy, with credit for key achievements misattributed to others.
• Despite these challenges, Singh’s conceptual vision for India’s future remained unmatched, as evidenced in his writings and speeches from the period.

Conclusion: A Statesman for the Ages

• Manmohan Singh’s career is a testament to the power of decency, intellect, and vision in shaping a nation’s destiny.
• He was a leader uniquely suited for a progressive, globalized world—a framework that has since been challenged by the rise of populism. Like contemporaries such as Barack Obama and Angela Merkel, Singh’s reputation has faced the harsh reckoning of history.
• Yet, his strategic foresight and moral clarity remain a compelling framework for India’s future.
• Singh’s legacy underscores the enduring relevance of statesmanship rooted in integrity and an unwavering belief in India’s potential.

What Lessons Can Be Drawn from Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Leadership?

Academic Rigor Meets Policy Pragmatism: Singh’s grounding in economics ensured that his decisions were informed by empirical evidence and theoretical rigor, making his policies both effective and sustainable. His belief in dialogue and education translated into a consultative leadership style, where he was approachable and open to ideas from diverse quarters. Balancing Pragmatism with Principles: He emphasized gradual, socially acceptable reforms, such as the carefully phased 1991 economic liberalization, to minimize disruptions. Commitment to Equity: Singh championed inclusive growth through rights-based initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the Right to Education, even while supporting market-oriented reforms. Integrity and Ethical Leadership: Known for his strong moral compass, Singh maintained integrity in a system prone to corruption, earning respect across political lines. His readiness to resign over ethical issues, like the Harshad Mehta Stock market scam (1992), underscored his commitment to principles. Strengthening Institutions:  Singh believed in empowering institutions like the RBI and the Planning Commission, ensuring that their policies were both independent and aligned with national goals. His tenure saw systemic changes like introducing service taxes, abolishing ad hoc treasury bills, and modernizing India’s tax structure, which outlived his time in office. Leadership in Adversity: Despite facing political challenges, Singh maintained a calm, focused approach. His dignified handling of political setbacks, including the United Progressive Alliance defeat in 2014, solidified his legacy as a respected leader.

PYQ: Which of the following has/have occurred in India after its liberalization of economic policies in 1991? (2017) 1.     Share of agriculture in GDP increased enormously. 2.     Share of India’s exports in world trade increased. 3.     FDI inflows increased. 4.     India’s foreign exchange reserves increased enormously. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b)

Practice Question: Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister is a study in balancing ethical leadership, economic reform, and strategic diplomacy amidst political and institutional challenges. Critically analyze his contributions to India’s governance and foreign policy while reflecting on the lessons his leadership offers for contemporary politics. (250 words/15 m)

 

For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out: 24 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis