New Delhi: Odisha-born IAS officer and Secretary in the Department of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Guruprasad Mohapatra died of COVID-19 related complications on Saturday.
Condoling Mohapatra’s demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “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.”
Union Minister Piyush Goyal also tweeted, “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.”
A 1986 batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, Mohapatra was the youngest son of renowned litterateur Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo.
Prior to his appointment as the DPIIT Secretary in 2019, Mohapatra had served as the Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI). During his tenure, he gave new direction to AAI and steered it to achieve greater excellence in the sector of airport infrastructure development in metros as well as tier II and tier III cities.
During an earlier stint as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Government of India. Mohapatra had worked for the promotion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Public Procurement and Project Exports (Financing & Insurance).
The IAS officer also held the portfolio of Municipal Commissioner in Surat and was involved in the process of converting the textile city into one of the models of urban governance with its thrust on solid waste management, quality infrastructure and sound financial management.
As Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, Mohapatra was instrumental in developing several urban projects like the Sabarmati riverfront, BRTS, Kankaria lakefront and heritage promotion. He also served as the Transport Commissioner and Commissioner, Commercial Taxes in Gujarat.
In a long illustrious career, Mohapatra also held the position of Managing Director in several listed Public Sector Units in India.
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