Jayalalithaa funeral: All govt offices in TN to remain closed today

Chennai/Thiruvananthapuram: The Tamil Nadu government has announced on Tuesday as a holiday for its offices under the Negotiable Instruments Act, as a mark of respect to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

A Government Order (GO) said the notified public holiday will apply to all state government offices, undertakings, corporations and boards.

"Under the Explanation to Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 read with Notification of the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs No.20-25-26, Public-1, dated 8th June 1957 the Government of Tamil Nadu hereby declares that Tuesday, the 6th of December, 2016 as a public holiday as a mark of respect to the late Selvi J Jayalalithaa, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," it said.

The day will be also treated as a paid holiday for all industrial employees on regular work charge and industrial establishments and the labour hired on daily wages, it said.

The government also issued another order declaring three days holidays for "all educational institutions" starting today.

The holidays were being declared "as a mark of respect" to the late leader, the GO said.

Meanwhile, government offices and educational institutions in Kerala will also remain shut today as a mark of respect to Jayalalithaa.

In a press statement, the government declared a holiday today for all government offices, including state owned Public Sector Undertakings and educational institutions.

Expressing his deep sorrow at the demise of Jayalalithaa who died last night, State Governor P Sathasivam said she was the greatest woman political leader in contemporary India.

"In her we saw the perfect blending of the strong will of an able administrator and the compassion of a philanthropist".

"In her sad demise, we have lost a unique mother's touch that had brightened the lives of millions of people during the last three decades".

In his condolence message, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Jayalalithaa as an extraordinary politician with a rare political acumen and administrative skills which made her a distinct leader in Indian politics.

She had a special liking for Kerala and always strived to uphold and maintain relations, Vijayan said. "We do not have any other Chief Ministers in our country who have influenced people like this. Her passing away is not only a major loss to Tamil Nadu, but for the entire country.”

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala was among those who condoled her death.

Meanwhile, to prevent any untoward incidents, Kerala police strengthened security in the districts bordering Tamil Nadu with additional forces being deployed in the border areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki and Palakkad districts.