The Karnataka government Friday decided to settle the pending medical bills of legendary playback singer Manna Dey, who passed away here Oct 24.

Announcing the decision, state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the pending medical bills of Dey, amounting to Rs.25 lakh, would be settled by the state government.

`This is not just a gesture of our government, but a mark of respect to the great singer who had also sung a few songs for Kannada films,` he said at an award function on the occasion of the state's 58th formation day (Rajyothsava) celebrations here.

Dey, 94, died after a prolonged illness due to multi-organ failure at the privately-run Narayana Hospital on the city's outskirts where he was admitted in May for respiratory disease.

`As Kannadigas are known for gratitude, we pay our tributes to Dey who chose to be a resident of Bangalore in his old age,` Siddaramaiah added.

The state government has also decided to hold a musical night 'Naada Namana' soon in Bangalore as a tribute to the legend.