PM condoles Dhar's death

In his condolence message, Singh said he was "deeply grieved" to hear of Dhar's death, who was "one of our most distinguished public servants".

"Dhar was a well-known economist in his own right and was one of the founders of the Delhi School of Economics.

"He was a close adviser of (former prime minister) Indira Gandhi and served as her principal secretary in the 1970s during a difficult period of our history," he said.

Singh said he had had "a long personal association" with Dhar and gained immensely from his interactions and his insights into policy-making and governance.

"I will remember him as a public servant of the highest pedigree who embodied the finest values and principles of public service," Singh said.

"I deeply mourn the sad demise of Dhar and convey my deepest condolences to his family and well wishers and admirers," he added.

Dhar, 94, died of age-related problems here today.