Indira Gandhi, who was the first woman Prime Minister of India, left an indelible mark on the domestic and foreign policies of India. She led the country through some of its most turbulent times and implemented policies that shaped India’s future for decades to come.
She is considered one of the most impactful political leaders of India who has made significant contributions to the country’s domestic policies. Know more about the first woman prime minister of India and some of the domestic policies implemented by Mrs Indira Gandhi during her time at the Prime Minister’s office.
Domestic Policies:
Nationalization of Banks- One of the significant domestic policy changes implemented by Indira Gandhi was the nationalization of banks in 1969. This policy helped to bring banking services to the doorstep of the rural and poor communities in India and enabled the government to use the banking ecosystem for furthering economic development.
Green Revolution- Indira Gandhi played a vital role in the Green Revolution, which led to a significant increase in India’s agricultural productivity. She encouraged the use of modern farming techniques, including the use of high-yielding varieties of crops and the use of fertilizers and irrigation. This resulted in empowered people with access to food by embracing self-reliance.
Garibi Hatao- first woman prime minister of india started Garibi Hatao or “remove poverty” program was aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the living conditions of the poor. This program included measures such as land reforms, increased access to credit, and the introduction of welfare schemes for the poor.
Emergency- Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India in 1975, which lasted for nearly two years. During this period, civil liberties were suspended, and the press was censored. The move was aimed at combating corruption and maintaining law and order, but it also led to human rights abuses and curtailed civil liberties.
Implementation of the 42nd Amendment- She implemented the 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, which increased the power of the central government and reduced the autonomy of the states. The amendment included provisions that gave the government the power to declare a state of emergency and made it mandatory for political parties to follow a code of conduct.
Women’s Rights- First woman prime minister of india social policies aimed to improve the status of women, minorities, and marginalized communities in India. She introduced several measures to promote gender equality, including the implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act, which made the practice of dowry illegal. She also introduced the Maternity Benefit Act, which provided paid leave to the working female professionals for six weeks before and after childbirth.
Welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes- Mrs. Gandhi introduced policies to promote the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including the establishment of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The commission was tasked with monitoring the implementation of policies and programs aimed at improving the social, economic, and political status of these communities.
Foreign Policies:
Know more about the first woman prime minister of India and during her tenure, she made significant contributions to India’s foreign policy, which had a lasting impact on the country’s relationship with other nations. Following were a few of them:
Nuclear Program- Indira Gandhi played a significant role in India’s nuclear program. She believed that India needed to become a nuclear power to ensure its security and strategic autonomy. Under her leadership, India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974.
Bangladesh Liberation War- Indira Gandhi played a vital role in the Bangladesh Liberation War, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent country. She provided support to the Bengali nationalists and sent the Indian army to assist the freedom fighters in East Pakistan.
Non-Aligned Movement- First woman prime minister of india was a key figure in the Non-Aligned Movement, which aimed to create a group of countries that were not aligned with either the Soviet Union or the United States. She used this platform to advocate for the interests of developing countries promoting India’s role as a global leader.
● Improved Relations with the United States- Indira Gandhi’s foreign policy was marked by a significant shift in India’s relationship with the United States. She worked to improve ties with the US and visited the country several times during her tenure. This policy was aimed at increasing India’s global influence and was meant to positively impact India’s economic development. She also played a key role in negotiating the end of the Cold War and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union..
Relations with East Timor- First woman prime minister of india also supported the independence movement in East Timor and played a key role in the formation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a regional organization aimed at promoting cooperation and development among South Asian nations.
In conclusion, Indira Gandhi’s impact on the domestic and foreign policies of India cannot be overstated. She implemented policies that transformed India’s economy and social landscape and helped in positioning the country as a major player on the world stage. Her legacy continues to shape India’s policies and serves as an inspiration for future generations of Indian leaders.
