Bureaucrat who managed Oxygen crisis dies

New Delhi, June 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the demise of Dr Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Odisha-born Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Mohapatra succumbed to Covid-19 on Saturday. Mohapatra was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Delhi, where he breathed his last.

Mohapatra, a 1986-batch Gujarat cadre officer, chaired the Covid-19 empowered group on essential equipment and medical oxygen supplies to states. 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.”

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba expressed deep shock over the “untimely death” of Mohapatra. — TNS