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Good Decisions of Indira Gandhi

A Prime Minister of India: 1) 1966 to 1977, 2) 1980 to 1984

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi (née Nehru; 19 November 1917 – 31 October 1984) was an Indian politician and stateswoman who served as the prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. As the country's first and only female prime minister, she played a pivotal role in Indian politics as the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Good Decisions:

1. Green Revolution (1960s-1970s)

  • Background: Before the Green Revolution, India faced frequent food shortages, relying heavily on imports like U.S. PL-480 wheat aid.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • Introduction of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds (mainly wheat & rice).
    • Expansion of irrigation systems (dams & tube wells).
    • Use of chemical fertilizers & pesticides to boost production.
  • Impact:
    • Transformed India from a food-deficit country to a self-sufficient one.
    • Increased wheat & rice production, reducing dependence on food imports.
    • Helped India withstand 1971 U.S. sanctions after the Bangladesh war.
  • Criticism:
    • Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides led to soil degradation.
    • Benefits were uneven, favoring big farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP over other regions.

2. Nationalization of Banks (1969)

  • Background: Before 1969, India’s banking sector was dominated by private players, who catered mainly to industrialists and urban businesses.
  • Key Decision:
    • 14 major private banks were nationalized in 1969, followed by 6 more in 1980.
    • Focused on agriculture, rural development, and financial inclusion.
  • Impact:
    • Increased bank branches in rural areas.
    • Improved credit access for farmers, small industries, and weaker sections.
    • Led to the growth of India's banking infrastructure.
  • Criticism:
    • Some believe it reduced banking efficiency and led to government interference.
    • Later, economic liberalization (1991) reversed some aspects of it.

3. Pokhran Nuclear Test (1974)

  • Background: After China’s nuclear test in 1964, India aimed to strengthen its defense.
  • Key Event:
    • On 18 May 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test in Pokhran, Rajasthan (code-named "Smiling Buddha").
  • Impact:
    • Made India the first country outside the UN Security Council (P5) to conduct a nuclear test.
    • Strengthened India's defense & geopolitical standing.
    • Led to international sanctions (e.g., U.S. and Canada halted nuclear cooperation).
  • Criticism:
    • Increased regional tensions with Pakistan.
    • Some believe it diverted resources from economic development.

4. Creation of Bangladesh (1971)

  • Background:
    • West Pakistan (now Pakistan) oppressed East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
    • A brutal crackdown in March 1971 (Operation Searchlight) led to a massive refugee crisis in India.
  • Indira Gandhi’s Role:
    • Provided military & diplomatic support to the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters).
    • Launched "Operation Vijay" in December 1971, defeating Pakistan in 13 days.
    • Signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty (1971) to counter potential U.S.-China-Pakistan alliance.
  • Impact:
    • Led to the creation of Bangladesh.
    • Weakened Pakistan’s influence in South Asia.
    • Strengthened India’s global reputation as a decisive regional power.
  • Criticism:
    • The war strained India’s economy.
    • Relations with the U.S. worsened due to Nixon-Kissinger's pro-Pakistan stance.

5. Abolition of Privy Purses (1971)

  • Background:
    • After independence, princely states merged with India but were given privy purses (financial allowances) as a deal.
    • Indira Gandhi viewed this as an unnecessary feudal privilege.
  • Key Decision:
    • In 1971, the 26th Amendment abolished privy purses, despite resistance from ex-royals.
  • Impact:
    • Strengthened democracy by ending special privileges of the royalty.
    • Freed up government funds for development.
  • Criticism:
    • Some ex-royals faced financial struggles.
    • Critics argue it was politically motivated to weaken opposition.

6. Twenty-Point Economic Program (1975)

  • Background: Launched during the Emergency (1975-77) to improve economic conditions.
  • Key Measures:
    • Land reforms to help farmers.
    • Control of inflation and essential commodity prices.
    • Employment schemes for the poor.
  • Impact:
    • Led to some economic growth during the Emergency.
    • Improved public services & rural development.
  • Criticism:
    • Critics argue it was a political tool to justify the Emergency.
    • Some land reform policies failed due to corruption & weak implementation.

7. Strengthening India’s Space Program

  • Background:
    • India’s space program started in the 1960s under Vikram Sarabhai.
    • Indira Gandhi provided strong government funding.
  • Key Developments:
    • Established Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a priority.
    • Boosted satellite research, leading to Aryabhata (India’s first satellite, 1975).
  • Impact:
    • Laid the foundation for India’s future space achievements (e.g., Chandrayaan & Mangalyaan).
    • Strengthened telecommunication & weather forecasting capabilities.
  • Criticism:
    • Some questioned heavy spending on space when poverty was still high.

8. Garibi Hatao (Remove Poverty) Initiative

  • Background:
    • Part of Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election campaign.
  • Key Measures:
    • Expansion of rural employment programs.
    • Strengthening public distribution systems (PDS) for food.
    • Providing subsidies & welfare schemes for the poor.
  • Impact:
    • Increased rural employment & food security.
    • Became a political slogan for Congress.
  • Criticism:
    • Some schemes failed due to corruption.
    • Poverty was not eliminated, though it reduced over time.

9. Integration of Sikkim into India (1975)

  • Background:
    • Sikkim was a protectorate of India after independence.
    • The monarchy, led by Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, faced opposition from the people.
  • Key Events:
    • 1975 referendum: Over 97% voted to join India.
    • Indira Gandhi officially made Sikkim the 22nd state of India.
  • Impact:
    • Strengthened India’s strategic position near China.
    • Ended monarchical rule in Sikkim.
  • Criticism:
    • Some believe India’s role was interventionist.
    • China initially opposed the move, recognizing Sikkim as part of India only in 2003.

Conclusion

Indira Gandhi’s leadership was bold and transformational. She strengthened India’s agriculture, banking, nuclear power, and global presence. However, some of her decisions, like the Emergency (1975-77), remain controversial. Nonetheless, her legacy remains one of the most impactful in Indian history.

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