PM Leads In Paying Tribute To Guruprasad Mohapatra, Key Bureaucrat At Centre Who Passed Away This Morning

Senior IAS officer and Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Guruprasad Mohapatra died of Covid-19 related complications.

A 1986 batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, Mohapatra, served as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and played a crucial role in implementing the Modi government's UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of DPIIT Secretary Dr Guruprasad Mohapatra.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "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."

As Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, Mohapatra played a crucial role in developing several urban projects close to the then Gujarat CM Modi's plan like the Sabarmati riverfront, BRTS and Kankaria lakefront.

"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 Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said in a tweet.

"DPIIT secretary Guruprasad Mohapatra passes away. A truly great officer who worked to improve India; will deeply miss him! Om Shanti!" Padma Shri Awardee and current Chairman of Manipal Global Education, TV Mohandas Pai, said on Twitter.