Union Cabinet Pays Tribute to the Late Dr. Manmohan Singh

New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on Friday to adopt a Condolence Resolution in remembrance of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister.

The Cabinet paid tribute to Dr. Singh by observing a two-minute silence, as stated in a press release on Friday.

“The Cabinet expresses deep sorrow over the unfortunate passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, on December 26, 2024, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,” noted the resolution.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh has significantly influenced our national landscape. With his departure, the country mourns the loss of a distinguished statesman, esteemed economist, and prominent leader. The Cabinet conveys heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and the entire nation to his grieving family,” the Condolence Resolution mentioned.

A period of state mourning has been declared for seven days, concluding on January 1, 2025, during which the National Flag will be flown at half-mast across Bharat and all Indian Missions/High Commissions.

Dr. Manmohan Singh will receive a State Funeral. On the day of the State Funeral, a half-day holiday will be observed across all Central Government offices and CPSUs.

The earlier Condolence Resolution acknowledged the former PM's accomplishments, stating that Dr. Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in the village of Gah, West Punjab, in undivided India, and had an illustrious academic career.

He earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University in 1954, followed by a Tripos in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1957, graduating with First Class Honours.

He was awarded a D. Phil Degree by the University of Oxford in 1962. Dr. Singh began his career as a Senior Lecturer at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and eventually became a Professor of Economics there.

In 1969, he took on the role of Professor of International Trade at the Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University. Dr. Manmohan Singh was appointed Economic Adviser in 1971 at the then Ministry of Foreign Trade.

He served as Chief Economic Adviser at the Ministry of Finance (1972-76), Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs (November 1976 to April 1980), Member Secretary of the Planning Commission (April 1980 to September 1982), and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (September 1982 to January 1985), according to the resolution.

Among the numerous accolades Dr. Singh received throughout his career, the most notable include India's second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan (1987), the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award from India's Science Congress (1995), the Euro Money Award for Finance Minister of the year (1993), and the Adam Smith Prize from the University of Cambridge (1956).

Dr. Manmohan Singh held the position of Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, where his contributions to comprehensive economic reforms are widely recognized.

He assumed office as Prime Minister of India on May 22, 2004, serving until May 2009. He was re-elected as Prime Minister for a second term from May 2009 to 2014, as detailed in the Cabinet’s Condolence Resolution.