The Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Ajay Bhadoo as the CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Bhadoo, a 1999-batch officer from the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce and will assume the new role alongside his existing responsibilities.
The GeM portal, launched on August 9, 2016, is an online procurement platform designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in government purchases. Over the years, the platform has transformed public procurement by fostering inclusivity and facilitating access for government buyers, local entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.
Bhadoo brings extensive administrative experience spanning over two decades in policy formulation and implementation across multiple sectors, including urban infrastructure development. His leadership comes at a crucial juncture as GeM undergoes a transition to a next-generation digital marketplace, powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
In August 2024, Bhadoo was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce. Prior to this, he served as the Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India. His distinguished career also includes key positions such as Joint Secretary to former President Ram Nath Kovind, CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board, and Commissioner of Rajkot and Vadodara Municipal Corporations.
An alumnus of the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, Bhadoo holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Business Law.
