ment, but he seems to have blended with the environment-controls and regulations, dominance of the public sector, protectionism, licences, permits and quotas, suspicion of the private sector, wariness about foreign trade especially imports, and all other incidents of a closed economy. There is no evidence that Singh rebelled against the economic policies of the day.
His tenure at the South Commission seems to have brought about a revolutionary change in his thinking and outlook. In a sense, it was a preparation for his work after 1991.
Singh's opportunity came when he was appointed-literally out of the blue-as finance minister by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. There is an anecdote that he did not believe P.C. Alexander when he was told that he would be appointed finance minister. He was sworn in the next day; those of us who were present on the occasion wondered-though we knew him by name and face-what responsibility would be given to the blue-turbaned, soft-spoken, elder-looking gentleman.
This story is from the December 28, 2024 edition of Mint Ahmedabad.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 28, 2024 edition of Mint Ahmedabad.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
India to export 1 mt of sugar this year
India is set to allow exports of 1 million tonnes (mt) of sugar during the current season, government and industry sources said, to help mills export surplus stocks from the world's second biggest producer of the sweetener and help prop up local prices.
Life, accident insurance coverage may be doubled
The initiative aims to strengthen financial security, especially for economically weak sections
Want a productivity tip? Forget apps and hacks
Productivity is not about ticking off endless tasks on a digital checklist. It hinges on the quality of engagement and self-awareness
Priority-sector NBFC body to plug MSME loan shortfall
PSLAI to transform MSME lending with a focus on liberalized risk weightage, policy reforms
Guide to investing in global stocks via Liberalized Remittance Scheme
From KYC to investments: Indian platforms are streamlining stock investments in the US, other global markets
What Shielded Kotak's Q3 NIM
Tightening guard
Hindenburg founder set to face fraud probe over hedge fund
Nate Anderson, the 'activist' short-seller who announced shutting down of his almost eight-year-old research firm Hindenburg, is under the cloud for his alleged links with hedge funds in preparing reports targeting companies, a Canadian portal said citing documents filed before a court in Ontario.
Visa issue not affecting ops: BYD
China's BYD is keen to have manufacturing operations in India as soon as 'all factors' suggest a 'go ahead', and the plan is under constant evaluation, according to a top official of the company's Indian arm.
Nigeria Joins BRICS as Partner State to Boost Investment
Nigeria has become a partner state of the BRICS group of emerging-market powers.
Nailing the 'smart business casual' code during winter
Looking 'smart casual' is easy if you build a wardrobe around versatile separates like blazers and trousers