In July 2012, I was appointed secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs. During 2012-14, the economy was in the throes of multiple crises and we had to regularly present our strategies before the PM. I was fortunate enough to watch him closely as he guided the government quietly but steadily.
A man of few words, Dr Singh was a great listener. He was a globally recognised economist and architect of India's economic reforms of 1990s, but he never cut any of us short when we were making a presentation. Even if our opinions were contrarian to his point of view, he contradicted us gently, often with a smile. He was clear and precise in his directions, but always delivered them as a suggestion.
Though we struggled with runaway inflation, burgeoning fiscal deficit and toxic current account deficit against serious odds, he provided much needed encouragement and support.
This story is from the December 28, 2024 edition of Financial Express Mumbai.
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This story is from the December 28, 2024 edition of Financial Express Mumbai.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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