DPIIT Secretary Guruprasad Mohapatra Dies Of Post-Covid Complications

Bhubaneswar: Odisha-born IAS officer Guruprasad Mohapatra Succumbed to Covid 19 undergoing treatment at AIIMS New Delhi, this morning.  He was admitted to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the demise of the department of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) secretary.

In a tweet, the PM wrote, “Saddened by the demise of Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, DPIIT Secretary. I had worked with him extensively in Gujarat and at the Centre. He had a great understanding of administrative issues and was known for his innovative zeal. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed grief over the demise, the president tweeted “Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, DPIIT Secretary was a very able and hardworking officer. His untimely demise is very saddening. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti Shanti,”.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also expressed his condolences over the demise of Mohapatra through Twitter, saying “extremely saddened to hear about the loss of Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary DPIIT. His long-standing service and dedication to the Nation have left a lasting impact. I convey my deepest sympathies to his family and friends”.

Mohapatra, was from 1986-batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, was serving as the Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). He was also given additional charge of Secretary of the Ministry of MSME for a temporary period.

Before taking over as DPIIT secretary in August 2019. He had also served as the chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).  He was the youngest son of renowned litterateur late Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo from Odisha.