Manmohan Singh's contributions transformed India, says CWC Resolution

Congress Working Committee on Friday paid glowing tributes to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, hailing him as "a true statesman, whose life and work have profoundly shaped the destiny of India."

Singh's body will be brought to Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road at 8 am on Saturday, AICC announced. This honour was controversially denied to former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao when he died in Delhi during the UPA era in 2004 and whose funeral was conducted in Hyderabad.

Singh was a "towering figure in India's political and economic landscape, whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide", CWC resolution said. "As the finance minister in the early 1990s, Singh was the architect of India's economic liberalisation. With unmatched foresight, he initiated a series of reforms that not only saved the nation from a balance-of-payments crisis but also opened the doors to global markets. Through his policies of deregulation, privatisation and the encouragement of foreign investment, he laid the foundation for India's rapid economic growth. Under his stewardship, India emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, a testament to his brilliance and vision," said the resolution passed by the top-most Congress body.


It further said as the prime minister, Singh led the country with a sense of calm determination and exceptional wisdom. "His tenure was marked by sustained economic growth, global recognition, and social progress. He steered the nation through the challenges of the global financial crisis in 2008 with strategic measures that shielded India from its worst effects. His leadership saw remarkable initiatives like MGNREGA, Right to Education, the historic Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, National Food Security Act, Land Acquisition Act... He also championed the Right to Information (RTI) Act to enhance transparency, the Forest Rights Act to empower tribal communities, and contributed to achieving the highest GDP growth rate during his tenure. Singh's dedication to inclusive growth, international diplomacy, and economic modernisation strengthened India's position in the global arena," it said.

The resolution also listed Singh's achievements as an academician, economist and in various offices such the UN and RBI, and recollected his personal qualities. "Despite holding the highest offices in the land, he always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness. His demeanour was calm, composed, and always guided by a deep sense of integrity. He was not only admired for his intellect and accomplishments but also for his unassuming nature," it said.

The CWC pledged to honour Singh's memory and carry forward his enduring legacy.