Official Funeral Ceremonies for Manmohan Singh Scheduled Tomorrow: Ministry of Home Affairs
The final rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be conducted with full state honors tomorrow, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced. The funeral will take place at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat at 11:45 AM. In a formal statement, the ministry confirmed that arrangements for a ceremonial send-off have been requested from the Ministry of Defence.
Union Cabinet Condolences
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed condolences over Manmohan Singh's demise. During the meeting, a two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect. The government declared a seven-day national mourning period, lasting until the 1st of next month.
During this mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country and in Indian missions and embassies abroad. Additionally, on the day of the funeral, central government employees, including those working in public sector undertakings, will be granted a half-day leave.
Request for a Memorial
Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of the Indian National Congress, has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to construct a memorial at the site of the funeral to honor Manmohan Singh. Kharge stated that Singh, who served as the Prime Minister for two terms, deserves such recognition. He conveyed his request through a phone call with Modi, followed by a detailed two-page letter. Kharge also highlighted the tradition of establishing memorials at funeral sites of distinguished politicians and former Prime Ministers.