- Key Roles: Ajay Bhadoo is a 1999-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) since March 2025.
- Career Highlights: He has held significant positions, including Joint Secretary to the President of India, Deputy Election Commissioner, and Vadodara Municipal Commissioner, earning the Best Collector Award twice (2008, 2010).
- Contributions: Bhadoo has driven transformative initiatives in urban infrastructure, trade policy, and e-governance, notably in Gujarat’s Dholera smart city project and India’s trade negotiations.
- Education: He holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Business Law from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
- Current Impact: As Additional Secretary and GeM CEO, Bhadoo is shaping India’s trade policies and digital procurement landscape, with GeM achieving a Gross Merchandise Value of ₹4.58 lakh crore.
Who is Ajay Bhadoo ?
Ajay Bhadoo is a seasoned bureaucrat whose career spans over two decades of impactful public service. As a 1999-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Gujarat cadre, he has risen through the ranks to become a key figure in India’s administrative and economic framework. Currently, he serves as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and has taken on the additional role of CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) since March 2025. His work focuses on trade negotiations, policy formulation, and advancing India’s digital procurement ecosystem.
Career Journey
Bhadoo’s career began in Gujarat, where he served as Assistant Collector in Surat and Junagadh, quickly establishing himself as an innovative administrator. His tenure as Collector of Mehsana was marked by initiatives like water conservation and digitization of land records, earning him accolades for excellence. He later served as Vadodara Municipal Commissioner and held leadership roles in Gujarat’s maritime and infrastructure sectors. Nationally, he contributed as Joint Secretary to the President and Deputy Election Commissioner before taking on his current roles in the Department of Commerce.
Current Responsibilities
As Additional Secretary, Bhadoo oversees critical trade negotiations, including India’s Free Trade Agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Eurasia Economic Union. His role as GeM CEO involves leading a platform that streamlines government procurement, enhancing transparency and efficiency. These responsibilities highlight his ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and drive digital transformation.
Why It Matters
Bhadoo’s work is pivotal for India’s economic growth, as trade and e-governance are central to the country’s global competitiveness. His leadership in GeM and trade policy underscores a commitment to modernizing governance while fostering inclusive economic development. While specific details about his personal life are limited, his professional achievements reflect a dedication to public service that resonates with India’s aspirations.
Ajay Bhadoo: Architect of India’s Trade and E-Governance Future
Ajay Bhadoo, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1999 Gujarat cadre, stands as a beacon of administrative excellence and visionary leadership. Currently serving as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Bhadoo has also been entrusted with the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) since March 2025. His career, spanning over two decades, reflects a remarkable blend of technical expertise, policy innovation, and a commitment to public welfare, making him a pivotal figure in shaping India’s trade policies and digital governance landscape.
Early Life and Education: Laying the Foundation
While detailed information about Ajay Bhadoo’s early life remains limited due to the private nature of many public servants’ personal histories, it is known that he was born in the late 1970s in India. Raised in an environment that valued education and discipline, Bhadoo pursued academic excellence from an early age. His intellectual curiosity and technical aptitude led him to earn a degree in Civil Engineering, providing him with a strong foundation in infrastructure and development. Furthering his expertise, he pursued a Master’s in Business Law from the prestigious National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. This combination of technical and legal education equipped him with the skills to navigate the complex administrative and policy challenges he would later encounter in his career.
Early Career: Transformative Leadership in Gujarat
Bhadoo’s journey in the Indian Administrative Service began in 1999, when he joined as an Assistant Collector in Surat and Junagadh, Gujarat. These early roles allowed him to hone his administrative skills and develop a deep understanding of grassroots governance. His ability to address local challenges with innovative solutions quickly set him apart as a dynamic leader.
Collector of Mehsana: A Legacy of Innovation
One of Bhadoo’s most impactful tenures was as Collector of Mehsana, where he served between 2008 and 2010. During this period, he spearheaded several transformative initiatives that improved public services and administrative efficiency:
- Water Conservation: Addressing Gujarat’s chronic water scarcity, Bhadoo implemented projects to enhance water management and conservation, benefiting local communities.
- Digitization of Land Records: He introduced digital systems to streamline land record management, increasing transparency and reducing disputes.
- Online File Tracking: By implementing an online file tracking system, Bhadoo improved administrative accountability and efficiency.
- Revival of Public Libraries: Recognizing the importance of education, he revitalized public libraries to promote literacy and community engagement.
- Modernization of Mid-Day Meal Kitchens: Bhadoo upgraded school meal programs to ensure better nutrition for students, enhancing educational outcomes.
These initiatives earned him the prestigious Best Collector Award in 2008 and 2010, recognizing his outstanding contributions to public administration.
Vadodara Municipal Commissioner and Beyond
In 2018, Bhadoo was appointed Municipal Commissioner of Vadodara, where he also served as Chairman of the Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA). His tenure was marked by a focus on urban infrastructure and governance. Earlier, as District Development Officer in Bharuch (2003-2004), he introduced a Biometric Attendance System for government employees, a pioneering step toward leveraging technology for administrative efficiency.
Bhadoo’s leadership extended to key infrastructure roles in Gujarat. As CEO and Vice Chairman of the Gujarat Maritime Board, he played a critical role in strengthening the state’s maritime infrastructure, a vital component of Gujarat’s economy. He also served as CEO of the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and Managing Director of the Gujarat Industrial Corridor Corporation, contributing to the development of the Dholera Special Investment Region, a flagship smart city project. Additionally, he held the position of CEO of the Dholera International Airport Company, further showcasing his expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects.
National Stage: From Rashtrapati Bhavan to Election Commission
Bhadoo’s career took a significant leap in 2019 when he was appointed Joint Secretary to the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. This prestigious role placed him at the heart of India’s governance, where he contributed to high-level protocol and administrative functions at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. His tenure, which lasted until 2022, highlighted his ability to operate effectively at the national level.
In October 2022, Bhadoo was appointed Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India, a role he held until July 2024. During this period, he played a crucial role in overseeing electoral processes, ensuring the integrity and fairness of India’s democratic system. His work in this capacity underscored his commitment to upholding democratic values and administrative excellence.
Current Roles: Shaping India’s Trade and E-Governance
In August 2024, Bhadoo was appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This role places him at the forefront of India’s trade policy and international economic relations. His responsibilities include:
| Responsibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Negotiations | Chief Negotiator for India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and India-Eurasia Economic Union Trade Agreement (EAEU). |
| Trade Regulation | Overseeing the Trade Regulation (TR) Wing and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), where he also holds additional charge as Director General since April 2025. |
| Global Trade Promotion | Leading the Global Trade Promotion (GTP) Wing, focusing on India’s trade relations, commodity divisions, and intellectual property matters. |
| Regional Focus | Managing trade relations with West Asia and North Africa (WANA), GCC countries, Africa, and Latin America (LAC). |
| Parliamentary Matters | Handling commerce-related parliamentary issues under the Administration, Establishment, and General (AEG) Wing. |
In March 2025, Bhadoo was appointed CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), a transformative platform launched in 2016 to facilitate public procurement. GeM, with a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹4.58 lakh crore as of early 2025, serves as a central hub for government ministries and departments to procure goods and services online. Under Bhadoo’s leadership, GeM is transitioning into a next-generation digital marketplace, powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), aiming to enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in government procurement.
A Vision for the Future
Ajay Bhadoo’s career is a testament to his ability to adapt and excel across diverse domains, from urban governance to national policy-making. His technical expertise in civil engineering, combined with his legal acumen, has enabled him to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions. As Additional Secretary and GeM CEO, Bhadoo is poised to drive India’s trade ambitions and digital transformation, ensuring the country remains competitive on the global stage while fostering inclusive economic growth.
His leadership in trade negotiations and e-governance reflects a forward-thinking approach to governance, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse. Bhadoo’s contributions, from grassroots initiatives in Gujarat to high-stakes trade negotiations in New Delhi, underscore his role as a key architect of India’s administrative and economic future.