schools and colleges to remain shut in Delhi
Agencies
New Delhi, August 16:
Paying homage to India’s former prime minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi government on Thursday declared a seven day long national mourning. Education minister Manish Sisodia took to Twitter to inform that the schools and colleges will remain shut in New Delhi.
During the period of state mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout the country where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment. To honour Vajpayee, a state funeral will also be accorded.
Government offices in Uttar Pradesh will also remain in shut, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said. Bihar Government also declared 7-day long mourning and a public holiday on Friday.
All Delhi govt offices, schools and other institutions shall remain closed tomorrow, as mark of respect for our dear departed Sh Atal ji. https://t.co/ATsvEOIDxq
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) August 16, 2018
Meanwhile, the body of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being taken to his residence in the national capital where people can pay their last respects, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said.
Singh, who visited the AIIMS twice during the day when Vajpayee was on life support system, said that with his demise, the nation has lost a stalwart who had dreamt of an India where “all persons lived together in unity, peace and harmony”.
“Vajpayeeji’s body is being taken to his residence where people can pay their last respect,” the home minister told reporters here.Describing former prime minister’s death as a “huge personal loss”, Singh said he was pained beyond words at the demise of Vajpayee, who had cherished the ideal of a developed and powerful India.
“In Atalji’s demise the nation has lost a stalwart who was known for statesmanship and astute leadership. Atal ji was a true ‘Ajatshatru’ (man with no enemies) who had many friends across the political spectrum. He believed in political consensus and his beliefs had consequential effect on Indian politics,” he said.
Central Government announces seven day state mourning throughout India, during this period the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where its regularly flown. State funeral will also be accorded. #AtalBihariVajpayee pic.twitter.com/wKPBN7v1ia
— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018
The home minister said he joined millions of Indians who drew inspiration from Vajpayee’s life and contribution.
“I cannot fully imagine my own life without following the footprints that Atalji set. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
The 93-year-old leader passed away today at AIIMS in New Delhi.
