Karnataka Declares Public Holiday on December 27 to Mourn Former PM Manmohan Singh’s Death
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, has been mourned across the country. In response to his death, the Karnataka government declared Friday, December 27, a public holiday to honor the memory of the late leader. As the nation processes the loss of one of its most respected political figures, the announcement has raised questions about whether today will also be a holiday in other parts of India, including schools, banks, and government offices.
The former PM, known for his significant contributions to India’s economic reforms, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after losing consciousness at home. Despite efforts to revive him, Singh passed away due to age-related health conditions. Following the news of his death, the union government declared seven days of national mourning, a mark of respect for Singh’s legacy and service to the country.
Karnataka Announces Public Holiday to Honor Manmohan Singh
On December 27, 2024, all schools, colleges, and government offices in Karnataka remain closed as the state observes a public holiday to mourn the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Karnataka government’s decision aligns with the national sentiment, ensuring that citizens in the state can pay tribute to the former prime minister’s remarkable life and leadership.
Karnataka’s decision follows similar actions taken by several other states, including Telangana, where the government announced a holiday for government offices and educational institutions. However, the situation remains unclear in other regions, and questions have arisen regarding whether public holidays will be declared nationwide.
Telangana Follows Suit: Government Offices Closed on December 27
In Telangana, the government also declared a holiday on December 27, in line with the mourning for Dr. Manmohan Singh’s death. Reports suggest that government offices and schools will remain closed in the state. While the state has confirmed the holiday, other details about its impact on businesses and public services are still emerging.
In Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi has announced that all her government programs for the day have been canceled. Furthermore, the Union Cabinet is expected to meet today, December 27, at 11 a.m. Despite the national mourning, there has been no official declaration of a public holiday from the central government.
National Mourning Period: Seven Days of Respect for the Former PM
The Indian government has declared a seven-day national mourning period following the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country as a sign of respect.
While the mourning will be observed nationwide, the central government has not announced a national public holiday for December 27. This leaves the matter of local holidays in the hands of individual state governments, with several regions opting to honor Singh’s memory by closing schools, colleges, and government offices.
Bank Holidays: Are Banks Closed on December 27?
The question of whether banks will be closed today, December 27, remains somewhat unclear. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, only the Kohima region in Nagaland has a bank holiday for Christmas celebrations. However, there is no nationwide closure of banks due to Manmohan Singh’s death. While state governments have declared public holidays in places like Karnataka and Telangana, banks in most regions are expected to remain open unless specific state-level orders are issued.
It is advisable for customers to check with local branches for any closures, as certain regions may have designated holidays for mourning.
Manmohan Singh’s Death: A Country Mourns
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. Known for his role in liberalizing India’s economy in the early 1990s, Singh’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the country’s global presence. He served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, a tenure marked by significant economic growth, political stability, and international diplomacy.
Singh’s health had been in decline for several years, and his death on December 26 came after a sudden loss of consciousness at his residence. Despite resuscitation efforts and being rushed to AIIMS, Singh was declared dead later that evening at 9:51 p.m.
The Nation Pays Tribute
As the country grieves, tributes are pouring in from all corners. From political leaders to ordinary citizens, people are remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh’s intellect, humility, and dedication to public service. His death has sparked reflections on the India he helped shape, especially in terms of economic policies that transformed the country into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The union government’s seven-day national mourning will allow citizens the time and space to honor Singh’s memory and reflect on his legacy.
Key Points About December 27 Public Holiday
- Karnataka has declared a public holiday today, December 27, 2024, to mourn the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh. Schools, colleges, and government offices in the state are closed.
- Telangana has followed suit, declaring a holiday for government offices and educational institutions.
- National Mourning: The Indian government has announced seven days of national mourning, with the flag at half-mast across the country.
- Banks: There is no nationwide bank holiday, but certain regions may observe closures depending on local announcements.
- Delhi: Chief Minister Atishi has canceled all government programs, while the Union Cabinet is scheduled to meet.
Conclusion: A Day of Mourning and Reflection
As the country mourns the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh, several states, including Karnataka and Telangana, have declared public holidays on December 27. While the national mourning period continues for seven days, many people across India are reflecting on the former Prime Minister’s remarkable contributions to the nation. Whether in public offices, schools, or banks, today will be a day of solemn respect for one of India’s most revered leaders.