New Delhi: Government declared a three-day national mourning as a mark of respect to Vice President Krishan Kant who died on July 27 morning.

Kant will be accorded a state funeral on July 28 and the last rites will take place at Nigambodh Ghat crematorium in New Delhi between 1600 and 1700 hours (IST).

These decisions were taken at an emergency meeting of the Union Cabinet on July 27, which condoled the sad and sudden demise of the Vice President.

The meeting, presided by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the meeting.

The national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings and holiday declared in the government offices which were open on July 27, she said.

Asked as to who would officiate in the interim period till a new Vice President assumed office on August 20, Swaraj said, "The Cabinet has not taken any decision. The Constitution is being studied."

PTI