The Prime Minister expressed his deep condolences at the grievous loss of life resulting from the Air India crash that took place in Mangalore early this morning. The Prime Minister spoke both to the Home Minister and to the Minister of Civil Aviation who briefed him on the ongoing rescue operations being conducted at the site of the crash.

The Prime Minister has instructed that Rs. 2 lakhs for the families of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for those injured may be sanctioned from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and further that all possible assistance may be provided to the bereaved families.

As a mark of respect to those who perished in this tragic incident, the function today at the Prime Minister's Residence to mark the completion of the first year of the second term of the UPA Government has been postponed.