Cabinet mourns death of Chandra Shekhar, 7-day mourning announced

New Delhi, June 8: Mourning the death of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, the Union Cabinet today announced a state funeral for him and also decided to observe a seven-day mourning as a mark of respect to the late leader. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, decided that the cremation of Chandra Shekhar will take place tomorrow at 1600 hrs near the cenotaphs of former Presidents Shankar Dayal Sharma and K R Narayanan.

All government establishments will close at 1300 hrs tomorrow to enable the people to attend the last rites of the departed leader.

In a condolence resolution, the Cabinet described Chandra Shekhar as an eminent Parliamentarian, social worker and an able administrator, who left his imprint on every aspect of national life. "Chandra Shekhar was a truly secular nationalist and a man of the people committed to their welfare and well-being. He was known for his conviction, courage and integrity. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to espouse the cause of the downtrodden and worked relentlessly for rapid social change," the resolution said.

The meeting of the Cabinet took place at around 1700 hrs at South Block. The decisions of the Cabinet and the condolence message was read out to the Press by Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi.

The resolution said in the passing away of Chandra Shekhar, the nation has lost 'an eminent son, a wise national leader and a statesman.'

During the period of State mourning, the national flag will fly half-mast. "The Cabinet deeply mourned the sad demise of Chandra Shekhar and extends sincere condolences on behalf of entire nation to the bereaved family," the condolence message said. The Cabinet took note of the fact that the late leader had steered the nation as Prime Minister from November 1990 to June 1991.

Born on July 1, 1927, in Ibrahimpatti in district Ballia of Uttar Pradesh, Chandra Shekhar received his education in Allahabad University.

He entered Parliament as member of Rajya Sabha in 1962. He first became member of Lok Sabha in 1977 where he served for eight terms.

"Chandra Shekhar was in many ways a grassroot worker deeply interested in primary education and health services. He undertook a long padyatra across the country in 1983 to establish rapport with the masses and understand their problems. A reflective writer, Chandra Shekhar was also the Founder Editor and Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of 'Young Indian'," the resolution said.

UNI

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