Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, December 28-
Leader of Opposition in Punjab, Partap Singh Bajwa, has called for conferring the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, on former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
As a proud son of Punjab, he has brought honour to the state and the nation. The Bharat Ratna would be a fitting tribute to his lifetime of service and dedication to India’s progress,” Bajwa stated.
Bajwa noted Dr. Singh’s pivotal role in introducing the 1991 economic reforms as FM, which liberalized India’s economy, dismantled the Licence Raj, and attracted foreign investments. These bold measures not only stabilized the country during a financial crisis but also set it on a path of sustained growth, establishing India as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
During his tenure as PM from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh’s leadership was marked by groundbreaking initiatives, including the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and ensured long-term energy security. Programs like the NRHM, the Right to Education Act, and MGNREGA underscored his commitment to social justice and empowerment, benefiting millions across the country.