Centre announces 7-day mourning over demise of Pranab Mukherjee, funeral to be held in Delhi
During the period of state mourning the national flag will fly at half-mast in all buildings throughout the country, wherever it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
FollowNew Delhi: The government on Monday (August 31) announced a seven-day state mourning following the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee.
In a statement, the home ministry said that as a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, state mourning will be observed for seven days throughout India from August 31 to September 6, both days inclusive.
"The Government of India announces with profound sorrow the death of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India at Army Research & Referral Hospital, New Delhi on 31st August, 2020. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days State Mourning will be observed throughout India from 31.08.2020 to 06.09.2020, both days inclusive. During the period of State Mourning the National Flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment. The date, time and venue of the State Funeral will be intimated later," the ministry said in an official statement.
Mukherjee passed away at Army Research and Referral Hospital here on Monday at the age of 84.
Also read: Pranab Mukherjee no more: Tributes pour in for ‘Man of all seasons’
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government announced to keep all government offices and institutions closed on Tuesday as a mark of respect to the former President of India. "As a mark of respect to the departed soul of former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, a glorious son of Bengal, GOWB is keeping all government and government aided offices and institutions closed tomorrow - 1st September," read a statement.
Mukherjee, who was admitted to the Army's Research and Referral Hospital on August 10 and was operated for a removal of a clot in the brain the same day, is survived by two sons and a daughter.
The long-time Congress leader and seven-time parliamentarian had tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of his admission and was being treated for a lung infection. He had suffered a septic shock on Sunday due to it. Doctors said he died of a cardiac arrest at 4.30 pm.
His son Abhijit Mukherjee was the first to break the news of the death of the veteran politician.
