On Thursday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s passing resulted in announcements of holidays in different states. Other states have announced specific holidays to honor the late leader and the central government declared a seven-day national mourning.
Karnataka is a public holiday
In a further twist, the Karnataka government declared Friday, December 27 as a public holiday today. On today, the state government offices, schools and colleges are closed across the state. Dr. India has recognisedManmohan Singh’s contributions to its development.
National Mourning Period
A seven day national mourning was announced by the central government in India starting from December 26 and ending Jan 1. Today, the national flag will fly at half mast across the country during this time. None of that has been mandated by some central directive to take a public holiday.
Telangana Announces Holiday
The state government in Telangana has also announced Friday will be a holiday. Government offices, schools and colleges will continue to remain closed. It was taken that citizens are able to show their respects to the former Prime Minister.
Official Programs Cancelled in Delhi
Chief Minister Atishi cancelled all official programs in Delhi as a tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh. Nevertheless, there is no announcement of a public holiday in the national capital.
Who Banks & Financial Institutions
There is no nationwide bank holiday on December 27, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar. Yet banks in the Kohima region of Nagaland are closed due to Christmas celebrations. No national notification has emerged on whether other banks have declared holidays and it is as yet unclear if they have.
Speculations in Other States
After announcements were made in Karnataka and Telangana, there have been talk about holidays in other states as well. But few states have declared public holidays. Unless specified by local authorities, offices, schools and banks are expected to be operating as usual.
Summary of Closures
- Karnataka: Schools, colleges, govt offices closed.
- Telangana: Government offices, educational institutions have been declared as holiday.
- Delhi: Government programs called off, no holiday.
- Banks: Available in most of the regions except Kohima of Nagaland.
Conclusion
Some of the states Karnataka, Telangana have declared holidays while the central government has not yet called for a public holiday for the country. Especially locals people visiting announcements would look over them for closures within their region. I would just like to mention that the seven day mourning period has been complied with is according to the tradition that the national flag is being flown at half mast in respect to the nick rack legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh.
