Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, June 19
The 1986-batch IAS officer from Gujarat cadre and Secretary in the Department of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Guruprasad Mohapatra died of COVID-19 related complications on Saturday.
He was admitted to the AIIMS Hospital in Delhi for the last one and a half months and was in coma. He however lost the battle and breath his last today morning.
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.”
The Odisha-born IAS officer, Mohapatra was the youngest son of renowned Odisha litterateur Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo.
On deputation with the Government of India, Mohapatra had served as Collector in Rajkot-Junagadh. His name had also figured top in the list of next Chief Secretary of Gujarat.
Before taking up the assignment 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 focussed in the sector of airport infrastructure development in metros as well as tier II and tier III cities that yielded the desired results.
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.
