New Delhi: The last rites of former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee is set to be conducted on Tuesday and his body will be laid in state at his official residence here in the national capital to enable people to pay their last homage.
According to a note issued by the Ministry of Defence, the wreath-laying schedule for official dignitaries will be from 9:15 am to 10:15 am for official dignitaries and 45 minutes for other dignitaries. This will be followed by an hour's time for the general public to pay homage to the late President at 10 Rajaji Marg.
The MoD note also mentioned that owing to the COVID-19 related protocols, the mortal remains of the late President will proceed in hearse van instead of the normal gun carriage. All protocols/guidelines in regard to COVID-19 preventive measures will be followed, according to the Ministry.
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Mukherjee passed away on Monday at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) Hospital where he was admitted earlier this month and had undergone surgery for the removal of a clot in his brain. He was 84. He was admitted to the Army Hospital in Delhi on August 10 and had also tested positive for COVID-19.
Taking to Twitter his son Abhijit Mukherjee confirmed the news.
"With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You."
Meanwhile, the central government announced that seven days of state morning will be observed throughout India from August 31 to September 6, inclusive of both these dates as a mark of respect to the departed dignitary.
During the period of state mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
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