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Fri, 27 December 2024
Manmohan's final journey from AICC HQ at 9:30 am
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14:02 Manmohan's final journey from AICC HQ at 9:30 am
Manmohan Singh's final journey to commence from AICC HQ to cremation ground at 9.30 am Saturday: KC Venugopal.
"A Congress Working Committee meeting comprising of the CWC Members, Permanent & Special Invitees is being convened at 5.30 pm today in AICC HQ to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singhji," says Congress General Secretary Venugopal.
13:57 Manmohan thought about what's best for India: Pawar
On the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar says, "Today, the people of the nation are in grief. He used to think about what is best for the country. When I was the CM of Maharashtra, he was the RBI governor. I used to talk to him during that time. Since then, I had respect for him."
13:53 I will always remember his humility: Abhinav Bindra
Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra shares this image with Manmohan Singh saying, "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh ji . I had the privilege of meeting him after my Olympic win in 2008, and I will always remember his humility, wisdom, and quiet strength. His leadership was defined by a long-term vision for India's growth, and his contributions continue to shape our nation today. His legacy of integrity and service will inspire generations to come."
Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim
13:12 'Goodbye, my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan'
Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim's tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh is probably the warmest we have read so far from a foreign head of state and throws light on the inherent decency, kindness and grace of a man who probably never would have wanted what he did known.
Ibrahim writes, "The weight of grief bears down on me at the news of the passing of my honoured and cherished friend: Dr Manmohan Singh. Obituaries, essays and books a plenty there will surely be about this great man, celebrating him as the architect of India's economic reforms.
"As Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh was the midwife of India's emergence as one of the world's economic giants.
"I had the rare privilege of witnessing the early years of these transformative policies first-hand while we both served as finance ministers during the 1990s. We shared a fervent commitment to the war against corruption -- even collaborating on unravelling a major case. The praise that will follow in the days ahead will be truly well-deserved.
"Dr Manmohan Singh, slightly awkward as a politician but undeniably upright, steadfast and resolute as a statesman, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. To me, he will be all that and much more. Not many people know this, and it is time that I share it with Malaysians: during the years of my incarceration, he extended a kindness that he didn't have to -- one that was neither politically expedient nor, as one can imagine, appreciated by the Malaysian government at that time.
"Yet, true to his character, he did it anyway. He offered scholarships for my children, particularly my son, Ihsan. Although I had declined the gracious offer, such a gesture undoubtedly showed his extraordinary humanity and generosity, demonstrative, as the Bard would have it, of a man so full of 'the milk of human kindness'.
"In those dark days, as I navigated the labyrinth of imprisonment, he stood by me as a true friend. Such acts of quiet magnanimity defined him, and they will remain etched in my heart forever.
"Goodbye, my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan."
12:50 Bank frauds jump to Rs 21,367 cr In first half of FY25
In H1FY25, the incidence of fraud and the amount involved have increased substantially.
According to RBI data, over 18,000 incidents occurred, involving Rs 21,367 crore, with the majority of the frauds occurring in the advances.
In H1FY24, there were 14,480 incidents of fraud, with the amount involved being only Rs 2,623 crore.
In FY24, the amount involved in frauds was the lowest in a decade, while the average value was the lowest in 16 years.
-- Anjali Kumari/Business Standard
12:48 'Manmohan's civility was seen as weakness'
Arvind Mayaram, former Finance Secretary, Ministry of Finance of Government of India and former principal economic advisor to the Government of Rajasthan speaks to Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com on working with Dr Manmohan Singh.
"Dr Manmohan Singh was the finance minister when my appointment was done in 2012. He selected me for the post (Economic Affairs Secretary) but when I joined, the the finance ministry was given to P Chidambaram. (Later in April 2014, Arvind Mayaram became Finance Secretary).
I found Dr Singh to be a prime minister who had immense capacity to listen. For instance, when we used to discuss the Budget 2013. It was a very difficult time for us as the economy had tanked. If you recall in 2012-13, the GDP growth of economy had gone down to 5.1 per cent after growing consistently to 8 per cent till 2011.
"There were other issues like fiscal deficit was high and the risk of credit rating downgrading. The rupee had tanked from Rs 59 to Rs 68 to a dollar. This was the time when I joined the team of the finance ministry.
"Whenever we went to Dr Singh I always found that he was a very patient listener; he was never impatient. I never heard him say, 'why are you saying this? I already know this', which he should have, considering he was an economist and the finance minister of India.
"When we used to speak he used to listen to us very carefully and even if your argument was contrary to him he never felt annoyed. He always used to say, 'I think you have a point of view but this maybe a better point of view. He was persuasive.
"Dr Singh brought a sense of confidence when a different crises blew one after another. He had a very steady hand and even in a big storm we never felt that we were without direction. He was not whimsical and he thought through things and give directions. His directions were never diktats or commands. They were always like a suggestion and those suggestions were in a form that became an order.
"The entire middle class today which is 400 million, is Dr Manmohan Singh's making. Before 1990 we had a very small middle class in India and growth was very slow. People remained in poverty for very long. During his rule as Prime Minister of India (2004-14) he got 270 million people (27 crore) people out of poverty. This according to World Bank is the fastest compression of poverty anywhere in the world in world history.
"We keep talking of (his achievement as finance minister) 1990-95, the liberalization period but what happened between 2004-14 during his tenure as Prime Minister of India was even more dramatic.
"This was the second revolution as he brought 27 crore people out of poverty (2004-14). The coming out of 27 crore people out so quickly became a crisis of expectation for his government. Once, you are out of poverty you want more and quickly. And this period for consolidation was not available to him. But the fact that so many people came out of poverty is historical.
"His scheme, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) helped lift people out of poverty but at the same time Indian economy was growing at 8 per cent per annum till 2010-11. This was the fastest ever growth of the Indian economy. There was rapid growth and jobs that were being created.
"What MNREGA did was that it was not providing jobs but it gave a benchmark for the semi and unskilled rural poor to be able to get better wages. This happened in sectors even outside agriculture like construction industry. This was also the reason for inflation because demand side got major push but then the supply side needed time to catch up.
"It was not given to him because unfortunately fictitious scam like 2G and CAG report which pulled numbers out of the hat and the media played it up. The government then had no time to consolidate. They did not have the bandwidth to consolidate the gains of demand push that had come. There was a huge growing demand but the supply side was not catching up.
"If he had got another five years we would have seen that consolidation. Today, we are in imminent danger of middle income trap. Now, the whole Indian economy is designed in a manner where monopolies are growing and predicated for only 300-400 million people. All the production and services are happening for them. Gig services, tourism, entertainment or hospitality is for middle class of 300-400 million people thus leaving out other 800 million people.
"He said history will remember him kindly, but I say history will remember him with lot of gratitude. His critics and opponents called him puppet Prime Minister but you have got to understand he was not a muscular Prime Minister.
"What the late United States President, John F Kennedy said described Dr Manmohan Singh perfectly. Kennedy said, 'Civility is not a sign of weakness'.
"In India unfortunately we mistake civility to be sign of weakness."
12:19 Manmohan opened India to the world: Germany
Dr Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, pays tribute and shares this image of Dr Singh with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "Saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh. A truly visionary politician, he opened India to the world and shaped the country's future for decades to come. Together with Chancellor Angela Merkel, he raised the strategic partnership between India and Germany to new heights."
12:16 Congress president pays his respects
Congress President and LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge pays last respects to former PM Dr Manmohan Singh and offers condolences to his family.
12:15 Vice President pays tribute
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar paid final respect to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and offered condolences to his family
Manmohan used to lay emphasis on studies, says cousin
12:12 Irreparable loss: Amritsar neighbours on Manmohan
People who live next to the house in Amritsar where former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spent his growing up years on Friday recalled his humble nature, terming his passing away an irreparable loss.
Singh was born at Gah in Punjab province which now falls in Pakistan's Chakwal district before his family migrated to Amritsar after Partition. He completed his schooling from Amritsar and did his graduation in economics from the Hindu College in Amritsar.
Raj Kumar (71), a local resident, told PTI Videos that Singh used to live in Petha Wala Bazaar near the Golden Temple.
Recalling Singh as a very humble person, Kumar said, "I was a child then when his family shifted out. The house where the Singh family lived is in a dilapidated state now as no one stays there since they moved out a long time ago," Kumar said.
Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, passed away on Thursday night at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was 92. The Congress leader, who steered the country for 10 years from 2004-2014 and helped set up the country's economic framework as finance minister before that, was a renowned name in the global financial and economic sectors. PTI
11:57 Deeply saddened by his passing: Amarinder singh
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was a true statesman who led by example, ex-Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said on Friday.
"His vision, wisdom, humility and commitment to the country's growth will always be remembered," Amarinder Singh, now a BJP leader, said. "Deeply saddened by the passing of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji, a true statesman who led by example," Singh posted on X. "I will fondly remember seeking his guidance on various economic issues faced by Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," he added.
Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, passed away on Thursday night at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was 92.
The Congress leader, who steered the country for 10 years from 2004-2014 and helped set up the country's economic framework as finance minister before that, was a renowned name in the global financial and economic sectors. -- PTI
11:53 How was working with Dr Singh?
India's former permanent representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin recalls his experience of working with former PM Dr Manmohan Singh: "He says, "It is a sad day for all Indians that one of India's most important public policymakers has passed away. Dr Manmohan Singh is an architect of modern India in many ways. I was fortunate to be able to serve him from 2012 to 2014 when he was the PM. To me, he always appeared as a kind, benevolent and gracious person but intellectually very sharp. All Indians are beneficiaries of Dr Singhs's policies, and acumen but also his kindness and graciousness. As we go towards Viksit Bharat, which PM Modi has targeted for us, Shri Manmohan Singh's contribution to that will always be remembered."
11:39 Manmohan liberalised India: Tata
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was one of the stalwarts who envisioned a new, liberalised India that is taking its rightful place in the world, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said on Friday.
In his condolence message, Chandrasekaran said late Singh's inspiring leadership earned him respect across the world. "We mourn the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, one of the stalwarts who envisioned a new, liberalised India that is taking its rightful place in the world," he said in a statement.
He further said, "Dr Singh will always be remembered for his visionary thinking and deep insights while always being humble and upholding his personal values." His inspiring leadership earned him respect across the world, Chandrasekaran noted. Manmohan Singh died on Thursday night at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was 92. -- PTI
11:35 Tricolour draped over Manmohan Singh's bier
The national flag has been draped over the bier carrying the mortal remains of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh at his residence in Delhi. The Centre declared a 7-day national mourning over his demise. All government programs scheduled for today are cancelled. Dr Manmohan Singh's last rites will be conducted with full state honours.
11:24 Manmohan will be remembered for honesty: PM
On the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, PM Modi says, " We all have deeply saddened by the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. His passing is a setback to the whole nation... his life is an example for future generations regarding how we can rise above struggles and achieve greater heights. He will always be remembered as an honest man, a great economist and a leader who dedicated himself to reforms. As an economist, he provided a lot of services to the nation. During a challenging time, he served as RBI Governor...when he was Finance Minister in the cabinet of former PM Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao, he gave the country that was reeling under economic crisis, a new direction in terms of economy."
11:22 His vision uplifted India by leaps: Pawan Khera
Congress leader Pawan Khera shares this image writing, "Dr. Manmohan Singh, the pinnacle of wisdom, humility and poised leadership, has left us today. A towering statesman and and a brilliant economist, his vision uplifted our nation by leaps. He will be remembered as the silent architect of India's growth story. Rest in peace, Sir. It was an honour to have known you."
11:18 Gandhis pay tribute
Sonia and Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders pay their tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh.
11:10 Just can't believe he's gone: Jawhar Sircar
Former RS MP Jawhar Sircar tweets: "Just can't believe he has gone! I worked directly under him and saw the unknown Manmohan Singh closely -- this genial smile! He died sad at being heckled so badly by Modi -- who thus showed his level of education and upbringing -- but history will be kinder to Dr Singh."
10:41 A thorough gentleman: Harbhajan on Manmohan
RS MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh shares this image: "Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji."
10:38 When 'poets' Manmohan, Sushma sparred in Parliament
A leader of reserve and quiet dignity, former prime minister Manmohan Singh had a keen taste for Urdu verses, and his poetic banters with BJP leader Sushma Swaraj in the Lok Sabha are among the most viewed parliamentary debates on social media.
During a fierce debate in Parliament in 2011, the-then Lok Sabha opposition leader Swaraj deployed Varanasi-born poet Shahab Jafri's 'sher' to fire a salvo at prime minister Singh, whose government was beginning to be mired in corruption charges. She said during the debate, "'Tu idhar udhar ki na baat kar, yeh bata ki kafila kyun luta, humein rahjano se gila nahi, teri rahbari ka sawal hai (Instead of talking about irrelevant issues, tell us why the caravan was looted. I have no complaint against the robbers but I question your leadership)'."
Instead of meeting fire with fire, Singh -- in his very own unassuming way -- invoked Allama Iqbal's disarming lines to bring down the roof. He said, "'Mana ki teri deed ke kaabil nahin hoon main, tu mera shauq dekh mera intezar dekh (Agreed I am not worthy of drawing your sight. But look at my zeal, my longing)'."
The two leaders, both with a taste for literature, were to clash again in 2013 during a debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Singh deployed Mirza Ghalib to take aim first.
He said, "'Hum ko un se wafa ki hai ummeed, jo nahin jante wafa kya hai (I expect love from someone who does not know what love is)'."
Swaraj, in her inimitable manner, turned to the more contemporary Bashir Badr and hit back, "'Kuchh to majburiyan rahi hongi, yun koi bewafa nahin hota (There must be some compulsions as no one ignores love for nothing)'."
Singh had resorted to a similar poetic response when reporters quizzed him on corruption charges besetting his government.
He had said, "'Hazaro jawabon se achchhi hai meri khamoshi, jo kayi sawalo ki aabru dhak leti hai (My silence is better than thousands of questions, or it will expose many of the questions)'." Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms and a consensus builder in the rough world of politics, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, late on Thursday. He was 92. -- PTI
10:32 You gave India more than you got credit for: Swara Bhaskar
And the tributes and photographs with Dr Singh pour in. Actor Swara Bhasker posts: "The demise of #ManmohanSingh ji who (looking back) presided over India's actual 'Acchey Din' feels like the end of an era when India was actually (more) democratic , when Indians were free(er) of fear & intolerance and when Indian public discourse had more decency. Farewell Dr. Singh. You gave India more than you got credit for."
10:23 Manmohan Singh was unwavering ally to Afghanistan: Karzai
Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai: "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. #Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of #Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace."
10:16 PM pays last respects to Dr Singh, meets family
PM Narendra Modi pays his last respects to late former PM Dr Manmohan Singh and offers condolences to the family. Amit Shah and JP Nadda also paid homage.
10:12 28% of Lok Sabha seats had no woman candidate!
The Election Commission of India on Thursday released 42 statistical reports for the Lok Sabha elections 2024.
The EC said its 'proactive' initiative of releasing granular data 'is to enhance the public trust that constitutes the underpinning of India's electoral system' and furthers the poll body's "policy of maximum disclosure and greater transparency'.
The highlight of the 2024 election was again the better turnout of woman electors in percentage terms than men. But fewer women, that is 75, after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra won from Wayanad in a bypoll last month, have been elected to the 18th Lok Sabha than the 78 women MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha.
With the Lok Sabha polls having been held months after the Parliament passed the Women's Reservation Bill, as many as 152 of 543, or 28 per cent seats had no woman candidate.
-- Archis Mohan/Business Standard
10:09 Manmohan left indelible mark on economy: RBI guv
Manmohan Singh's contributions as the architect of India's economic reforms have left an indelible mark, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday as he paid tribute to the departed soul. Singh, the former prime minister and finance minister, also served as the RBI governor between 1982 and 1985.
"I am deeply saddened on the passing away of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary economist and former RBI Governor. His contributions as the architect of India's economic reforms have left an indelible mark. @RBI joins the nation in mourning this huge," Malhotra said in a post on X.
Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died in New Delhi on Thursday night at the age of 92.
When Singh took the reins of the finance ministry in 1991, India's fiscal deficit was close to 8.5 per cent of the GDP, the balance of payments deficit was huge and the current account deficit was close to 3.5 per cent of GDP. To make things worse, foreign reserves were just enough to pay for two weeks of imports, indicating that the Indian economy was in deep crisis. Against this backdrop, the new economic era was brought in through the Union Budget 1991-92 presented by Singh. It was a turning point in the economic history of independent India which witnessed bold economic reforms, abolition of licence raj and opening of many sectors to private players and foreign players so that capital could flow in.
Singh served as Prime Minister of the country for two consecutive terms 2004-09 and 2009-14. He is survived by wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. -- PTI
10:04 Mahua Moitra's emotional note to Dr Singh
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra penned a heartfelt note, expressing grief over the passing away of the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Moitra thanked the former Prime Minister for showing that true greatness is rooted in nobility, integrity, and tolerance. In a social media post on X, Moitra wrote, "Farewell, Dr.Singh. And thank you. For exemplifying that nobility, integrity and tolerance are the essential virtues of a great man. No matter who, no matter what."
10:00 Manmohan, the writer, the economist, the thinker
Former Chief Economic Adviser, Government of India in the Manmohan Singh years and now Professor of Economics, Cornell University, Kaushik Basu pays tribute to Dr Singh's passing before the tomes penned by the former PM. Basu was also former Chief Economist of the World Bank. Basu writes, "It is a huge loss for India. And a personal loss for me. R.I.P."
09:53 Manmohan Singh used to praise me a lot: Lalu
In the wake of the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav fondly recalled his close association with the esteemed economist and leader.
Speaking to ANI, Lalu Yadav highlighted the strong personal rapport he shared with Manmohan Singh frequently praising his efforts during their time together in government.
"It is a great loss to the country. Dr Manmohan Singh was an honest leader against whom no allegations were ever made. I was also a minister in his cabinet, and I received immense support from him when I was serving as the Railway Minister. Hearing the news of his passing has come as a deep shock. I pray to God to grant peace to his soul," he said.
"We had a very good relationship, and he used to praise me a lot. It was during his time that significant progress was made in the railway sector, and the country saw advancement. He served as the Prime Minister for 10 years. His passing has deeply saddened me," Lalu Yadav added. The RJD Chief also emphasized that today, the country needs more people like Dr Singh -- ANI
Stephen Harper
09:41 Exceptional intelligence, integrity, wisdom: Canada PM on Manmohan
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper mourned the passing away of former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday (local time). In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Harper remembered Singh, describing him as a leader of "exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom."
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He was an individual of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom. Laureen and I wish to convey our condolences to all his family and friends," Harper wrote.
09:34 Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of US-India strategic partnership: Blinken
The United States has offered its condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling him 'one of the greatest champions of the bilateral strategic partnership'.
"Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades," US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said.
Offering sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of Singh, Blinken said the leadership of the former prime minister in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship.
"At home, Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India's rapid economic growth. We mourn Dr Singh's passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together," Blinken said.
Saddened by the death of Singh, Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna said the former prime minister will always be remembered for his pioneering economic reforms that led to India's economic growth.
"I was proud to work with the Bush administration on securing the US-India Nuclear Deal and have a letter thanking me for my work on that from Prime Minister Singh in my office. He will always have my respect and admiration," Khanna told PTI.
Sending his heartfelt condolences to the family of the former prime minister and to the people of India on his passing, Atul Keshap, president of US India Business Council said Singh played a key role in elevating US-India ties and modernising the relationship and embarking both democracies on a steady path of strategic, economic, and technological convergence.
"Through his sustained leadership in achieving the transformative agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was rightly regarded as an architect of the modern bilateral relationship," Keshap said.
Noting that Singh's vision, teachings and leadership will be lessons for posterity, the board of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) said the former prime minister was a scholar, statesman, and a venerated leader, and dedicated his life to serving the nation and enriching the lives of a billion plus Indians. -- PTI
"Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades," US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said.
Offering sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of Singh, Blinken said the leadership of the former prime minister in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship.
"At home, Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India's rapid economic growth. We mourn Dr Singh's passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together," Blinken said.
Saddened by the death of Singh, Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna said the former prime minister will always be remembered for his pioneering economic reforms that led to India's economic growth.
"I was proud to work with the Bush administration on securing the US-India Nuclear Deal and have a letter thanking me for my work on that from Prime Minister Singh in my office. He will always have my respect and admiration," Khanna told PTI.
Sending his heartfelt condolences to the family of the former prime minister and to the people of India on his passing, Atul Keshap, president of US India Business Council said Singh played a key role in elevating US-India ties and modernising the relationship and embarking both democracies on a steady path of strategic, economic, and technological convergence.
"Through his sustained leadership in achieving the transformative agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was rightly regarded as an architect of the modern bilateral relationship," Keshap said.
Noting that Singh's vision, teachings and leadership will be lessons for posterity, the board of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) said the former prime minister was a scholar, statesman, and a venerated leader, and dedicated his life to serving the nation and enriching the lives of a billion plus Indians. -- PTI
09:28 National flag to be flown at half-mast for 7 days
A seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout the country as a mark of respect to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last night, and during this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India, the Union Home Ministry has announced.
In a communication to all chief secretaries of state and union territories on Thursday, the home ministry also said that a state funeral will be accorded to Singh and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.
'The government of India announces with profound sorrow the death of Manmohan Singh, former prime minister of India on December 26, 2024 at AIIMS hospital in New Delhi,' the communication said.
As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the home ministry said, it has been decided that a seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout India from December 26, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.
In a communication to all chief secretaries of state and union territories on Thursday, the home ministry also said that a state funeral will be accorded to Singh and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.
'The government of India announces with profound sorrow the death of Manmohan Singh, former prime minister of India on December 26, 2024 at AIIMS hospital in New Delhi,' the communication said.
As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the home ministry said, it has been decided that a seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout India from December 26, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.
The national flag will also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian missions and high commissions abroad, the home ministry said. -- PTI
IMAGE: National flag at half mast at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. Photograph: ANI on X
08:52 Dr Singh 'tried very hard' to establish 'some kind of peace' with Pak: Ex-deputy NSA
During his tenure as prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh 'tried very hard' to establish 'some kind of peace' with Pakistan, but it didn't work, former deputy NSA and his then close aide Pankaj Saran said on Thursday.
Saran termed Dr Singh's demise as 'very unfortunate', and described him as an intellectual, an economist of world standing, but also a 'man who symbolised humility'.
He was a consensus builder, a very simple man, 'never expected to be a prime minister, but he served for 10 years', the former deputy NSA recalled.
Saran, a 1982-batch IFS officer, had earlier served as India's envoy to Russia.
He also held various positions in India and abroad including the country's High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
He was appointed as deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) in 2018.
"He (Dr Manmohan Singh) was always a great listener, intellectual, an economist of world standing, widely respected. He was the first (Indian) prime minister at the start of the G20 Summit in 2008, and he developed a very high reputation among the global leaders, whose understanding of economics... All in all, I would say, a very fine person, a great human being, both in his personal life and officially," Saran told PTI Videos.
Dr Singh greatly believed that India's future 'lay in good relations with the West', the former diplomat said.
"Among the neighbours, he tried very hard to establish some kind of peace with Pakistan, but it didn't work. But, he tried, and he was very disappointed that his efforts did not succeed. In fact, they were rebuffed with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 when he was the prime minister, and that really shook him up very badly," he recalled.
Dr Singh also made a greater outreach to the Gulf, and he visited Saudi Arabia, one of the first prime ministers to do so, Saran added.
The veteran diplomat said he felt that Singh 'gave India a very good image overseas of someone who was deeply committed to the country... building the country'.
"After all, he was also the shaper of the economic reforms that began in 1991. He was the architect of those reforms, he was deeply committed to the growth of the Indian economy. In the foreign policy field, I think he will go down in history as the leader who changed the paradigm of India-US relations with his success of the nuclear deal with the United States," he said.
"So, both on economic policy and foreign policy, he made a mark, as someone who was respected, but as an individual very understated, very simple man, willing to learn, willing to read, willing to understand," Saran said.
"He never tried to assert himself or shut down contrary opinions. I think he was one of the greats of the non-family Congress, and serving as prime minister for 10 years, outside of the family, was a huge achievement," he said. -- PTI
08:48 Dr Singh's body kept at home for public homage
The body of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh reached his residence late Thursday night from AIIMS and was placed for the public to pay their last respects.
The body of the former prime minister was embalmed by doctors at AIIMS. -- PTI
08:17 Rahul, Kharge visit Manmohan Singh's residence
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday night visited the residence of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh to pay their respects.
Dr Singh, a two time former prime minister from 2004 to 2014, died at AIIMS in Delhi.
Both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had gone to Belagavi to attend the CWC meeting and rushed to Delhi soon after the news of Dr Singh's demise came. -- PTI
00:24 3 Motilal Nehru Road bungalow: Manmohan Singh's post-retirement abode for 10 yrs
The sprawling 3 Motilal Nehru Road bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi served for over 10 years as the retirement abode of former prime minister Manmohan Singh who died on Thursday.
A spacious Type-VIII bungalow amid the three-acre plot, Singh had moved to this address in the national capital after attending Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony in May 2014.
Modi had succeeded him as India's prime minister and checked into 7 Race Course Road (now 7 Lok Kalyan Marg) -- the official residence of the prime minister -- where Singh stayed for 10 years.
Earlier, the four-bedroom bungalow was the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who had vacated it after her party's loss in the Delhi assembly elections. She died in 2019 at the age of 81.
The CPWD had completely renovated and restored the bungalow by re-doing the entire flooring and pillars after Dikshit had vacated it. Singh, being a former prime minister, enjoyed SPG protection along with his family.
The bungalow was home to about 40 full-grown trees, including peepul, arjun, goolar, marorfalli, jamun, neem, mango and seemal, which shelter about 60 species of birds and mammals, when Singh, accompanied by his wife Gursharan Kaur had moved into this prime address in Lutyens' Delhi. -- PTI
00:06 'Manmohan never claimed credit for achievements'
Senior Congress leader and a minister in the UPA government P Chidambaram on Thursday condoled the passing away of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said his life and work as well as the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter in the history of India.
"His story has not been told fully. His achievements have not been recorded fully. I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution," Chidambaram said. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died in New Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92.
"It is a deeply emotional moment for me to speak about Dr Manmohan Singh. The life and work of Dr Manmohan Singh and the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter in the history of India. I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements," Chidambaram, who served as finance minister in Singh's government, said on X.
The story of India turned after Singh became finance minister, he said, adding that the present middle class of India was virtually the creation of his policies as finance minister and prime minister.
"Throughout his tenure, he had great empathy for the poor. He did not hide the fact that many millions of India are poor and reminded us that government's policies must lean in favour of the poor. Examples of his empathy are MGNREGA and the restructuring of PDS and the extension of the mid-day meal scheme," Chidambaram said. PTI
00:01 I will miss his affection: Mamata on Manmohan
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed shock over the demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh. She extended her condolences to the bereaved family of the former PM, and remembered her days of working with Singh, saying she would miss his affection.
"Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former prime minister Manmohan Singh ji. I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged," Banerjee wrote on X.
"The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and followers," she added. Singh died in New Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92.
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