Last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are to be performed at the Nigambodh Ghat in the national capital on Saturday afternoon. Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday even
Last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are to be performed at the Nigambodh Ghat in the national capital on Saturday afternoon. Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the AIIMS Delhi. “Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister passed away at 9.51 PM on December 26, 2024 at AllMS Hospital, New Delhi. It has been decided by the Government that State funeral will be accorded to Dr Manmohan Singh. The funeral will take place at 11:45 AM on December 28, 2024 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi. The Ministry of Defence is requested to make arrangements for State funeral will full military honours,” the Ministry of Home Affairs stated.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s political career spanned several decades, marked by key roles, including serving as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, during which he led transformative economic reforms that reshaped India’s economy. He went on to become India’s 13th Prime Minister, holding office from 2004 to 2014, succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
His tenure is widely recognized for steady leadership during economic challenges and significant contributions to modernizing the country’s economy. After completing his second term, Dr. Singh retired from public life, having guided India through a phase of remarkable growth and global recognition. In 2014, he was succeeded by Narendra Modi after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections. Manmohan Singh’s government also introduced the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which later came to be known as MGNREGA.
Even after stepping down as Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh was entitled to various privileges, including a monthly pension of ₹20,000. Following his demise, questions arise about who will inherit the pension and which family members will be entitled to claim it. Additionally, who among his family will be eligible to continue availing of the remaining privileges?
As per media reports, Dr. Manmohan Singh, after stepping down as Prime Minister, was allotted a bungalow at 3, Motilal Nehru Marg in New Delhi. Initially, he was granted special privileges for five years as a former Prime Minister, but these were later revised in line with the rules.
According to the media reports, a former Prime Minister is provided SPG security for the first year, followed by Z+ security. Dr. Manmohan Singh also received SPG protection during his first year after leaving office, which was later downgraded to Z+ security. Additionally, he was entitled to benefits equivalent to those of a Cabinet Minister. These included a monthly pension of ₹20,000, lifetime free accommodation in the Lutyens’ Zone, lifelong free medical care, six domestic air tickets annually, unlimited free rail travel, lifetime free electricity and water, a personal assistant and a peon after five years, and an annual allowance of ₹6,000 for office expenses.
Dr. Manmohan Singh received a monthly pension of ₹20,000, which will now be given to his wife, Gursharan Kaur, according to the rules. There will be no change in the housing facility either. As for other privileges, his wife and dependents will continue to enjoy these benefits, including free medical treatment at government hospitals, free train travel, and discounted airfares. Additionally, security measures, such as security guards, will remain in place.
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