Manmohan Singh's Passing: What This Means for Today's Bank and School Closures (December 27)

As of now, only the Karnataka government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Friday, December 27. No other states have followed suit with similar announcements.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 in Delhi on Thursday night. He was admitted to AIIMS Delhi in critical condition, where the hospital later confirmed his passing.

His last rites are scheduled for Saturday, which will take place with full state honors. The former Prime Minister, who is often recognized as the architect of India's economic reforms, has left a lasting impact on the country. In light of this, the Union government has declared a seven-day mourning period in remembrance of his contributions, as reported by officials.

The Union Cabinet is set to convene on Friday, December 27, at 11 am to pay their respects to Manmohan Singh, reflecting the gravity of the loss felt throughout the nation.

During the mourning period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on public buildings throughout the country, and there will be a cessation of official entertainment. This somber atmosphere is a mark of respect for a leader who served the nation during pivotal economic changes.

As speculation arises regarding the status of banks on Friday, there has been no official confirmation about closures. The Reserve Bank of India typically releases an annual schedule of holidays, yet unique circumstances may alter the usual operations.

While banking services may be affected, citizens can utilize digital banking facilities. Payment methods such as IMPS, NEFT, UPI, and various mobile applications will remain fully operational, allowing transactions to proceed without interruption.

Concerning educational institutions, a nationwide mourning period has been declared; however, an official directive regarding school and college closures has not yet been issued. Inspired by past events, such as when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away in 2018, several states had declared holidays for educational establishments at that time.

In contrast, the Congress-led Karnataka government has already announced a seven-day mourning period, coupled with a holiday for all schools and colleges on Friday, aiming to honor the legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The nation is brimming with tributes and reflections on Singh's remarkable career; many notable figures from the entertainment industry, including Kapil Sharma and Sunny Deol, have conveyed their heartfelt condolences. The loss of such a prominent statesman resonates deeply with a population reflecting on his contributions to economic governance and development.

As the nation mourns, discussions around Manmohan Singh’s policies and their impact on India's growth trajectory are likely to surface. His tenure as prime minister is marked by significant reforms that reshaped the economic landscape of India, setting the stage for future advancements.

Though the official mourning period may pave the way for somber reflections, it also calls upon citizens to celebrate his legacy and the transformative changes he spearheaded for the nation. His passing will undoubtedly leave a void in the political landscape, but his vision continues to inspire discussions surrounding India's future economic directions.