Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, will be accorded a state funeral tomorrow at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi. The last rites will take place at 11:45 AM on Saturday, as announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In a statement, the Ministry said, “Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away at 9:51 PM on December 26, 2024, at AIIMS, New Delhi. A state funeral with full military honors will be held on December 28, 2024. The Ministry of Defence has been requested to make the necessary arrangements.”
Dr. Singh, aged 92, died following age-related health complications. He was rushed to AIIMS Delhi after a sudden loss of consciousness at his residence.
Born on September 26, 1932, Dr. Singh had an illustrious career as an economist, policymaker, and statesman. Before entering active politics, he served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985.
As the Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, Dr. Singh is widely credited for spearheading India’s economic liberalization, transforming the country into a global economic force. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by major legislative reforms, including the introduction of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI), enhancing transparency in governance.
A member of the Rajya Sabha for over three decades, Dr. Singh retired earlier this year after 33 years of distinguished service in Parliament.
Condolences have poured in from across the country and the world, reflecting the profound impact of Dr. Singh’s life and work. His demise marks the end of an era in Indian politics and economics.
Dr. Manmohan Singh will be remembered as a visionary leader, an architect of modern India’s economic transformation, and a staunch advocate for transparency and inclusivity in governance.
