Dr. Manmohan Singh to Retire from Rajya Sabha

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.