New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday condoled the death of P.C. Alexander, former principal secretary to prime minister Indira Gandhi, and said it was "rare" to come across a public servant who had "the qualities of the head and heart".

"I have learnt of the passing away of Dr. P.C. Alexander with great sadness," the prime minister said in a statement.

Alexander, who also served Rajiv Gandhi briefly, died at a hospital in Chennai Wednesday morning, family sources said. He was 90.

"Dr. Alexander was one of our most outstanding civil servants. To each of the numerous public positions he held, he brought not only his fierce commitment to the public good but also a quiet grace and dignity," he added.

"It was a tribute to his extraordinary abilities that his advice was sought by successive prime ministers," he said.

"It is indeed rare to come across a public servant with the qualities of the head and heart that Dr. Alexander possessed," said Singh.

Alexander was undergoing treatment at the Madras Medical Mission Hospital for heart ailments. The end came at 8.30 a.m.

His body will be taken to his Chennai residence before being flown to Kochi in Kerala Friday. The funeral will be held Saturday at his home parish at Mavelikera town in Alappuzha district, the family said.