Himachal Govt declares 2-day closure of offices to mourn Ex-PM Manmohan Singh

Himachal Pradesh has declared two days of state-wide closure to honor the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The state government announced that all government offices, educational institutions, and facilities would remain closed on December 27 and 28 as a mark of respect. Daily-wage employees will be given paid holidays during this period. Additionally, a seven-day state mourning has been declared from December 26 to January 1.

Winter carnival postponed

In light of this, the Shimla Municipal Corporation has postponed the cultural events of the Winter Carnival that was originally scheduled from December 27 to January 1. However, other scheduled programs will still be conducted by January 2. Stalls set up at the Ridge will remain operational throughout the mourning period.

Tributes to a visionary leader

Manmohan Singh, known as the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was 92 years old. His contributions to Indian politics and economic development have been widely acknowledged.

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed their condolences. Sukhu stated that Manmohan Singh’s legacy in Indian politics would be remembered for generations. Agnihotri highlighted the former PM’s role in ushering a new era of economic reforms.

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur praised Singh’s contributions, saying he provided a new direction to India’s global economic standing. Thakur added that Singh’s efforts to uplift all sections of society without political bias would continue to inspire the nation.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla also paid tribute, calling Singh a visionary leader whose commitment to inclusive growth and economic liberalization left a lasting impact. He described Singh as a statesman dedicated to India’s progress and prosperity.

The state’s tribute to Manmohan Singh reflects the immense respect he commanded across political lines for his role as an economist and leader.