The central government has announced a seven-day state mourning in the memory of former President Pranab Mukherjee who died on Monday at Army Research & Referral Hospital, New Delhi.
“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout India from 31.08.2020 to 06.09.2020, both days inclusive,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement.
“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 ministry added.
Also read: Former President Pranab Mukherjee passes away
The date, time and venue of the state funeral will be intimated later, the MHA added.
Former President Mukherjee was 84 at the time of his death.
Mukherjee tested COVID19 positive when he went to the Army Hospital for treatment.
He underwent surgery in the Army hospital for a blood clot in the brain
Mukherjee’s health deteriorated on Tuesday and by since the evening, he had to be kept on ventilator support.
His son Abhijit Mukherjee on Wednesday tweeted that his father was “haemodynamically stable”.
However, he asked everyone to continue prayers.
Pranab Mukherjee’s political career spanned five decades.
He became the President of India in 2012 and was in the Presidential office till 2017.
Mukherjee, who served the nation as the Union finance minister between 2009 and 2012, was the defence minister from 2004 to 2006, and the external affairs minister from 2006 to 2009.
