Rao Birender Singh

Rao Birender Singh, a former Chief Minister of Haryana and Cabinet Minister in the Government of India, hailed from the Royal Family of Rewari and was born on 20th February 1921 in Rewari (Haryana). Educated at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, he served as a Captain in the Indian Army, despite being selected for the Indian Police Service in 1950.

His political journey commenced in 1954 when he was elected as an independent to the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Recognizing his immense popularity, Punjab Chief Minister Shri Pratap Singh Kairon included him in the Cabinet, where he handled crucial Ministries like Public Works, Transport, Revenue, and Irrigation. In 1961, he resigned from the Kairon Cabinet due to neglect of Hindi-speaking areas of Punjab and advocated for a separate State of Haryana, which was eventually created in 1966.

In 1967, Rao Birender Singh became the first Speaker of the newly formed Haryana Legislative Assembly and later served as an MLA from Pataudi Assembly. On 23rd March 1967, he became Chief Minister of Haryana, working towards the welfare of its people. He was elected from the Mahendragarh Lok Sabha Constituency in 1971 on a Vishal Haryana Party ticket.

In 1980, he was appointed as the Union Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Irrigation, and Civil Supplies, where he initiated numerous welfare measures for farmers. His policies led to increased agricultural production, earning him the slogan “Rao-Aaya, Bhav-Aaya” from farmers. During his tenure, food grain production in the country saw a significant increase.

Rao Birender Singh’s contributions extended to consumer rights as well. As Union Civil Supplies Minister, he approved the Consumer Protection Act, leading to the formation of consumer courts across the country.

After resigning from the Cabinet in 1985 due to his opposition to the Rajiv Longowal Agreement, he continued his political journey and served as the Union Food and Public Distribution Minister in the Chandra Shekhar Cabinet.

Throughout his career, Rao Birender Singh advocated for the rights of farmers, underprivileged, minorities, and backward classes. As the chief of All India Yadav Maha Sabha, he raised demands for their representation in legislative bodies across the country.

Rao Birender Singh passed away on 30th September 2009 at the age of 88. In honor of his contributions, the Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Rao Birender Singh.