Here in this blog I want to give you comparison of ManMohan Singh and Narendra Modi Governments which can be a good topic of questions for UPSC.
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Comparison of Narendra Modi and Manmohan Singh Governments:
1. Economic Performance
Parameter
Manmohan Singh Govt (2004-2014)
Narendra Modi Govt (2014-Present)
GDP Growth
Averaged around 7.5%, but slowed down post-2011
Averaged around 6-7%, with recovery post-COVID
Inflation
High inflation (8-10%)
Lower inflation (4-6%)
Fiscal Deficit
Averaged around 4.5-6%
Maintained within 3.5-4.5%
GST Implementation
Proposed but not implemented
Successfully implemented in 2017
FDI Inflows
Moderate, with restrictions
Record FDI inflows due to liberalization
2. Governance & Policy Making
Factor
Manmohan Singh Govt
Narendra Modi Govt
Leadership Style
Intellectual, policy-driven, but seen as weak due to coalition politics
Decisive, strong leadership, centralization of power
Decision-Making
Slower, dependent on coalition consensus
Fast-paced, focused on executive authority
Corruption Scandals
2G, Coal Scam, CWG Scam
No major scams, but electoral bond transparency issues
Welfare Schemes
MNREGA, Right to Food, RTI
Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, PM-Kisan, DBT
Bureaucracy Reforms
Minimal changes, policy paralysis post-2011
More accountability, lateral entry in administration
3. Foreign Policy
Aspect
Manmohan Singh Govt
Narendra Modi Govt
US Relations
Strengthened Indo-US nuclear deal
Stronger defense & trade ties
China Policy
Trade-dependent but cautious approach
Assertive stand, border conflicts (Galwan 2020)
Pakistan Policy
Peace talks, but 26/11 response was weak
Surgical Strikes, Balakot Airstrike
West Asia
Focus on energy security
Stronger diplomatic ties with UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia
Global Image
Stable, diplomatic approach
Assertive, active global presence (G20, QUAD, BRICS)
Manmohan Singh Govt (2004-2014): Focused on economic liberalization, social welfare, and diplomacy but suffered from corruption scandals and slow decision-making.
Narendra Modi Govt (2014-Present): Pro-business, infrastructure-driven, and strong on nationalism but faces criticism for polarization and press freedom.
Conclusion :
PM Modi & Manmohan Singh Comparison Overall :
Factor
Manmohan Singh Govt (2004-2014)
Narendra Modi Govt (2014-Present)
Majority & Stability
Congress needed much support to form the government, leading to dependency on allies.
Modi government got majority votes, allowing for stronger decision-making.
Decision-Making
Slower due to coalition politics, making it difficult to implement bold reforms.
Decision-making is better with Modi government due to a stable majority.
Terrorism & Security
Terrorism was a major issue; responses like after the 26/11 attacks were seen as weak.
Terrorism is better fought with Modi government through strong responses like Surgical Strikes and Balakot airstrike.
Agriculture & Farmers
Only farmers-related good decisions came with Congress, such as loan waivers and MNREGA (which helped rural employment).
Modi government has done decent work but still faces criticism from farmers (e.g., farm laws protests).
Narendra Modi governments:
1. Mains Questions (Descriptive)
Governance & Decision-Making
“A stable majority government ensures better decision-making compared to a coalition government.” Critically analyze with reference to the UPA and NDA governments.
Discuss the impact of coalition politics on governance in India, citing examples from the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.
Economic Reforms & Development
Compare and contrast the economic policies of the UPA and NDA governments, focusing on GST, FDI, and employment generation.
Discuss the impact of economic liberalization under the UPA government and the structural reforms introduced by the Modi government.
“The Modi government’s economic policies focus on long-term growth, while the UPA emphasized welfare schemes.” Analyze.
National Security & Terrorism
Evaluate the response of the Indian government to terrorism under both the UPA and NDA regimes.
“The Modi government has taken a more assertive approach to national security.” Discuss in light of major policy and military actions.
Foreign Policy & Diplomacy
Examine the changes in India’s foreign policy from 2004 to the present, comparing the approaches of the Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi governments.
How has India’s relationship with China and Pakistan evolved under the UPA and NDA governments? Discuss with examples.
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
“Only farmers-related good decisions came with Congress, but the Modi government has done decent work.” Analyze this statement with supporting examples.
Critically evaluate the impact of MNREGA under the UPA and the farm policies of the Modi government on rural employment and welfare.
Social & Political Stability
Discuss the role of governance in maintaining social harmony. Compare how the UPA and NDA governments handled issues of social stability and polarization.
Examine the role of media freedom and press autonomy in India under different governments.
2. Prelims Questions (Objective – MCQs)
Economic Reforms
Which major tax reform was introduced during the Modi government’s tenure? a) Direct Tax Code b) Goods and Services Tax (GST) c) FRBM Act d) Companies Act Amendment Answer: (b) Goods and Services Tax (GST)
MNREGA was introduced under which government? a) NDA-1 (1998-2004) b) UPA-1 (2004-2009) c) UPA-2 (2009-2014) d) NDA-2 (2014-2019) Answer: (b) UPA-1 (2004-2009)
Security & Defense
The Balakot airstrike was conducted in response to which terrorist attack? a) Mumbai 26/11 attacks b) Pulwama attack c) Pathankot attack d) Uri attack Answer: (b) Pulwama attack
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks took place under which government? a) UPA-1 b) UPA-2 c) NDA-1 d) NDA-2 Answer: (a) UPA-1
Foreign Policy
The Indo-US nuclear deal was signed during which Prime Minister’s tenure? a) Atal Bihari Vajpayee b) Manmohan Singh c) Narendra Modi d) P. V. Narasimha Rao Answer: (b) Manmohan Singh
Under which government was Article 370 abrogated? a) UPA-1 b) UPA-2 c) NDA-2 d) NDA-3 Answer: (c) NDA-2
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