Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, India's First Woman Cabinet Minister, Left a Rich Legacy

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (1889–1964) – Key Points

Personal Background:

• Born: 2 February 1889, Lucknow.
• Father: Raja Harnam Singh (Christian), Mother: Rani Harnam Singh (Bengali).
• Only daughter among 8 children.
• Education: Sherborne School (UK), Oxford University.
• Skills & Interests: Fluent in Italian & French, played piano & violin, excelled in hockey, cricket, tennis.

Freedom Movement & Gandhian Influence:

• Became close disciple of Mahatma Gandhi (met in 1919).
• Gandhi’s secretary for 16 years; correspondence published as Letters to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur.
• Participated in Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement.
• Arrested multiple times; subjected to house arrest.
• Criticized the ‘Communal Award’ of 1932.

Political Career:

• Member: Constituent Assembly (1946–50), Provisional Parliament (1950–52), Lok Sabha (1952–57), Rajya Sabha (1957–62).
• India’s first woman cabinet minister (Health Ministry, 1947–1957).
• Also held Sports and Urban Development portfolios.
• Key contributions:
  • Established AIIMS, New Delhi.
  • Advocated healthcare reforms and women’s rights.
  • Oversaw bills like Indian Medical Council Bill, Drugs Amendment Bill, Prevention of Food Adulteration Bill, Delhi Municipal Corporation Bill, and others.

Social Contributions:

• Co-founded All India Women’s Conference (1927).
• Secretary (1930) and President (1933) of AIWC.

Death:

• 6 February 1964, New Delhi.
• Practising Christian, cremated according to family customs; no spouse or children.

Legacy:

• Pioneer in Indian women’s participation in politics.
• Advocate for healthcare, education, and social reform.
• Strong Gandhian influence; worked for emancipation of women & weaker sections.
  
  Updated - 4 August 2025 ; 3:46 PM | The Wire