Maharashtra Govt Announces State Funeral For Ratan Tata. Here's What It Means?

Eknath Shinde earlier today arrived at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where Ratan Tata was admitted. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani also arrived at the Mumbai Hospital.

File photo of Ratan Tata and Eknath Shinde.

Source : PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced that industrialist Ratan Tata who died at the Mumbai hospital will be accorded state funeral.

Shinde earlier today arrived at the Breach Candy Hospital in the state capital, where Tata was admitted. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani also arrived at the Mumbai Hospital.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Industrialist Ratan Tata passes away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde arrives at the Breach Candy Hospital#RatanTata pic.twitter.com/968aMDVbjr

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2024

Expressing his condolences over the demise of the national icon, Shinde said, "Gem of India Ratan Tata is no more, this is very sad news for everyone...A large number of people were inspired and motivated by him... He is the pride of Maharahstra...He helped thousands of people...Ratan Tata was the Kohinoor of our country...He has contributed immensely to the nation... he was a 'desh bhakt' and 'desh premi'...His relatives have said that he will be kept at NCPA from 10 am to 4 pm for darshan."

#WATCH | Mumbai: On the demises of Industrialist Ratan Tata, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, "Gem of India Ratan Tata is no more, this is very sad news for everyone...A large number of people were inspired and motivated by him...He is the pride of Maharahstra...He helped… pic.twitter.com/wp0d0Z7Ywo

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2024

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Tata, describing him as a visionary business leader, compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.         

"One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few," PM Modi said on X. 

Ratan Tata breathed his last at south Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at 11.30 pm. In a statement, Tata's family said, "We his brothers, sisters, and family take solace and comfort in the outpouring of love and respect from all who admired him. While he is no longer with us in person, his legacy of humility, generosity and purpose will continue to inspire future generations."   

In a statement, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said, "It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.”

What Is A State Funeral?

A 'state funeral' is officially accorded in the event of the death of the president, prime minister, former president or governor, sitting cabinet ministers, governors, lieutenant governors, Lok Sabha speaker, Bharat Ratna awardees and other senior government officials. 

As per the Home Ministry guidelines, the central government has the authority to order a 'state funeral' for other dignitaries who have made significant contributions towards the country, according to The Print. 

The 'state funeral' can vary depending on the dignitary and can include a gun salute, draping of the coffin with the tricolour and laying of wreaths by mourners.

The defence ministry is tasked with the arrangements for the funeral, which includes the draping of the body with the tricolour.