[orc]The former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was accorded a ‘state funeral’. Even actress Sridevi was accorded a state funeral. But what is state funeral all about? Who is accorded a state funeral? Here is a low down.
The former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was accorded a ‘state funeral’. Even actress Sridevi was accorded a state funeral. But what is state funeral all about? Who is accorded a state funeral? Here is a low down.
Who is accorded a state funeral?
A state funeral is one where the funeral arrangements are made strictly according to protocol like an escort, procession, gun salute among other things. The National Flag is also draped in all state funerals. As per the rules, a state funeral is to be accorded in the event of the death of the President, Prime Minister, a former President or a Governor. At the same time, it is the prerogative of the government to order a state funeral for any other dignitary or individual.This is the reason why many other dignitaries like former ministers & celebrities like Sridevi are accorded a state funeral.
After the death of a dignitary, a gazette notification is issued by the government announcing the death. The notification is issued with a black border. For instance, in the case of the death of former PM Vajpayee, a gazette notification was issued by the government.
Similarly, state mourning is also declared along with instructions for half masting the national flag. In certain cases, a public holiday is also declared by the government. Similar procedure is followed when state governments declare a state funeral. Because of the urgent nature of the issue, the government usually sends a wireless message to all the states & other government departments about the national mourning, half masting the flag etc.
Once the Ministry of Home Affairs issues the gazette notification, the Ministry of Defence makes relevant arrangements for the funeral. Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Defence Minister was personally overseeing the arrangements in the funeral of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The procedure also details the designated places for people to sit and observe the cremation at the burial ground when religious rituals take place.