New Delhi: Secretary in the department of industry and internal trade Guruprasad Mohapatra died of COVID-19 related complications at AIIMS on Saturday.

Mohapatra (59) was admitted to AIIMS in mid-April. He is the first serving secretary to the government of India to have succumbed to COVID-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Mohapatra’s demise.

“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,” Modi said in a tweet.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted: “Shocked to know that Dr. Guru Prasad Mahapatra, Secretary, @DIPPGOI is no more. Enthusiastic at work, positive in attitude as a senior bureaucrat, he was constructive in his approach. Condolences to his family and friends.”

Home Minister Amit Shah, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba too expressed their condolences. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said Mohapatra was a highly efficient and dedicated civil servant and was always very responsive and constructive.

Wipro chairman Rishad Premji tweeted, “Saddened and shocked on the passing of Secretary DPIIT Sh. Guruprasad Mohapatra ji. Will remember him as a capable, committed and warm officer. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to the entire fraternity. Condolences to the family & loved ones…”

Industry chamber CII too stated that the secretary was a passionate administrator and his innovative ideas and proactive initiatives set new models for the Indian economy.