New Delhi: The Centre has declared seven-day state mourning in honour of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Thursday.
During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half mast across India and there will be no official entertainment. All Indian missions and High Commissions abroad have also been requested to adhere to the half mast directive.
Additionally, Singh will be accorded a state funeral.
A communication from the Union Home Ministry has been sent to all chief secretaries of states and union territories, formally conveying this decision.
The Cabinet will be meeting at 11 am on Friday to pay tributes to the “architect of India’s economic reforms”.
The Congress Party has also cancelled all official programmes, including its foundation day celebrations, for the next seven days as a mark of respect for Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. He will be remembered for his pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic reforms and global diplomacy.
Congress governments in Karnataka and Telangana have also declared a seven-day state mourning and a public holiday on Friday for schools, colleges, and offices as a mark of respect.
The former PM’s mortal remains were brought to his residence, 3 Motilal Nehru Marg, late on Thursday.
His last rites will be held in New Delhi on Saturday, Congress leader KC Venugopal announced, adding an official statement on the same will be released soon.
