New Delhi: Department of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) secretary Guruprasad Mohapatra died due to post-Covid complications on Saturday. Mohapatra was admitted to AIIMS in mid-April.
Mohapatra, a 1986-batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, took over as DPIIT secretary in August 2019. He also served as the chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tributes. "Saddened by the demise of Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, DPIIT Secretary. I had worked with him extensively in Gujarat and at the Centre," Modi tweeted.
Even, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to Twitter and extended his condolences. "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," he wrote.
"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," Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted.
"Saddened to learn about the demise of Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, DPIIT Secretary. He will be always remembered for his extraordinary contribution towards the nation. Condolences to his family members. Om Shanti," senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said.
BJP National President JP Nadda to took to micro-blogging site and shared grief over the demise of Mohapatra. "Deeply saddened to hear the demise of Dr Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary DPIIT. He was a visionary officer, with an impeccable track record. He will be remembered for his contribution. I convey my deepest condolences to his family and friends," Nadda wrote.
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) expressed condolences and said, "CII expresses deep sadness at the loss of Dr Guruprasad Mohapatra, IAS. An outstanding officer and passionate administrator, his innovative ideas and proactive initiatives set new models for the Indian economy. He helped guide a number of industry and investment-related policies and engaged with investors to resolve issues. CII deeply appreciates the contributions he made to manufacturing sectors, FDI, and ease of doing business as Secretary, DPIIT which will continue to positively impact the industry. We offer our deep condolences to his family."
Expressing his grief, Deepak Sood, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM said: "Extremely saddened by hearing about the demise of Dr Mohapatra. He was a very dynamic and visionary officer with an impeccable track record. I have personally worked with him in Gujarat and have great respect for the man Dr Mohapatra was. He was a friend, a mentor, who guided me personally as well as professionally through the thick of times. it is an irreparable loss for the Indian industry and for the nation. He shall be remembered for the great work that he has contributed at the national level and the state level."
Union Sectretary, Road Transport & Highways, Giridhar Aramane said: "Shree Mohapatra was a dear colleague and a very committed, sincere officer belonging to administrative service.I have been associated with him for the last four and a half years. I am amazed by his commitment to developmental programmes, especially important policies like 'Make in India' and the establishment of manufacturing facilities in the country. It is sad that a person who was working till the last minute for the increase in the supply of oxygen in Covid hospitals has succumbed to Covid. I pray for the release of his soul and may his family be bestowed with the courage to bear the irreparable loss."