The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the passing away of noted economist Prof Raja Chelliah. The Prime Minister's condolence message to Mrs. Chelliah is as follows:

"It is with deep grief that I learnt of the sad demise of your husband, Prof. Raja Chelliah. Your husband's passing away is a great personal loss to me. He was not only a valued colleague but also a very close friend.

Prof. Raja was a brilliant economist and an exceptional human being. His contribution to the understanding of economic policy issues in India is immense. In his long and illustrious career, he served the government and many other institutions with great distinction and the numerous awards that he received are a testimony to his high achievements. He has left behind a void that would be very difficult to fill.

In this hour of bereavement, please accept my heartfelt condolences. May God give you the strength to bear with your loss. I offer my deepest prayers for peace of the departed soul."