Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, retire from the Rajya Sabha, marking the end of his three-decade-long tenure in the Upper House.
About Manmohan Singh
- Born on September 26, 1932.
- A two-term Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014.
- An economist, academician, bureaucrat, and politician.
- Played a significant role in shaping India’s economy.
- Served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985.
- Minister of Finance in P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government.
- Credited for introducing significant economic reforms in India in 1991.
Major Policies of Manmohan Singh
Economic Liberalisation (1991)
- Initiated reforms that reduced trade barriers, dismantled the License Raj system, and opened up key sectors to foreign investment.
- Crucial in jumpstarting India’s economic growth and globalization.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) (2005)
- Introduced to offer a legal guarantee of a minimum of 100 days of employment per year to rural households.
- Objective: Address rural poverty and unemployment.
Right to Information Act (RTI) (2005)
- Empowered Indian citizens to demand information from government agencies and institutions.
- Promoted transparency, accountability, and prevented corruption in public administration.
The Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2005)
- Allowed India to receive nuclear technology and fuel for its civilian nuclear energy program.
- A significant milestone in the relationship between India and the United States.
Retirement of Rajya Sabha Members
- Article 80 of the Constitution sets the maximum number of Rajya Sabha members at 250.
- 238 members represent states and Union Territories.
- 12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise in areas like literature, science, art, and social service.
- Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, and one-third of its members retire every two years.
- Members serve for a full term of six years.
