Ajay Bhadoo Appointed CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM)

The Government of India has appointed Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM), effective March 3, 2025. He will assume this role alongside his existing responsibilities. His appointment comes as GeM transitions into a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Bhadoo, a 1999-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, has an extensive career in governance, urban infrastructure development, and policy implementation.

Key Highlights

Appointment and Responsibilities

• Ajay Bhadoo appointed as CEO of GeM, effective March 3, 2025.
• Continues as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce.

Professional Background

• 1999-batch IAS officer from Gujarat cadre.
• Over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation.
• Served as Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India.
• Former Joint Secretary to ex-President Ram Nath Kovind.
• CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board and Commissioner of Rajkot & Vadodara Municipal Corporations.

Educational Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Master’s in Business Law from National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.

GeM Platform Growth and Impact

• India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement.
• Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs 4.58 lakh crore, with 28.65% YoY growth.
• Startups have fulfilled orders worth Rs 35,950 crore.
• Women entrepreneurs make up 8% of the seller base.
• 1,77,786 Udyam-verified women MSEs have completed orders worth Rs 46,615 crore.

Strategic Transition of GeM

• Moving towards a next-generation digital marketplace with TCS.
• Aims to enhance accessibility for startups, small businesses, and government buyers.