Former Goa, Maharashtra governor Mohammed Fazal dead

Economist and former governor of Goa and Maharashtra Mohammed Fazal passed away at his native place Allahabad early Thursday, official sources said. He was 93.

Fazal breathed his last around 1.30 a.m. Thursday.

Appointed the governor of Goa in 1999, he was shifted to Maharashtra in October 2002 and held the post till December 2004.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death.

In a condolence message to his son, Qaisar Fazal, the president said: "I am saddened to learn about the passing away of your father who was an able administrator and economist and contributed to the nation's growth and welfare."

"He ably served as member of the Planning Commission during 1980-85. The nation will remember him for his valuable services and his pursuit of excellence in public life," he added.

A tweet from the Prime Minister Office said Modi recalled Fazal's "contribution to public life and prays that his soul rests in peace".

Maharashtra observed a day's state mourning in honour of Fazal Thursday, an official said.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan described Fazal as an astute economist who guided the state and nation on how to steer the country's economy during his tenure with Planning Commission.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that though Fazal was born in an affluent family, he was even more generous for the masses.

"He opened the doors of Raj Bhavan for common people, he would meet the ordinary citizens, listen to their problems and grievances and attempt to resolve them," Pawar said in his tribute.

Born in an family of landlords, Fazal graduated from Allahabad University and later pursued his higher studies at London School of Economics.

In 1977, he was appointed secretary, industrial development and later was the seniormost member of Planning Commission between 1980-1985.