Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has appointed Ajay Bhadoo (IAS: 1999: GJ) as the Managing Director of the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) Ltd. Bhadoo was recently repatriated to the Gujarat government and placed at the disposal of the Industries and Mines Department for his new assignment.
With his appointment, Bhadoo replaces Roopwant Singh (IAS: 2003: GJ), who was holding the additional charge of Managing Director of GMDC.
Ajay Bhadoo Returns to Gujarat After Central Deputation
Bhadoo returns to the Gujarat administration after serving in several important positions at the Centre. Before his repatriation, he was serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
He was also appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in March 2025.
During his central deputation, Bhadoo also served as:
- Deputy Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India
- Joint Secretary, President’s Secretariat
- Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce
- CEO, Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
His central government experience has covered areas including commerce, digital public procurement, election administration and institutional governance.
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Ajay Bhadoo’s Administrative Experience in Gujarat
A 1999-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, Bhadoo has held several key positions in the state government during his career.
His earlier assignments in Gujarat include:
- Municipal Commissioner of Vadodara
- Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Gujarat Maritime Board
- Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Municipal Commissioner of Rajkot
- District Collector of Mehsana
These postings have given Bhadoo experience in urban administration, district governance, infrastructure, maritime development, public policy and government operations.
Academic Background of Ajay Bhadoo
Bhadoo holds a degree in Civil Engineering. He also has a Master’s degree in Business Law from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
His academic background, combined with his experience across state and central government institutions, has included both administrative and policy-oriented responsibilities.
Bhadoo’s New Role at GMDC
Bhadoo’s appointment brings a change in the leadership arrangement at GMDC, with Roopwant Singh being relieved of the additional charge of Managing Director.
GMDC is a major state-owned mining enterprise and plays an important role in Gujarat’s mineral development and industrial ecosystem. The corporation is involved in mineral exploration, mining and related activities, with lignite, bauxite and other minerals forming part of its operational portfolio.
Bhadoo’s experience in state administration as well as his central government assignments provides him with exposure to areas including:
- Public policy
- Commerce and administration
- Digital governance
- Infrastructure
- District administration
- Institutional governance
His appointment comes as he returns to Gujarat after a significant tenure in key positions at the Centre. It adds another important assignment to his career spanning district administration, urban governance, maritime development, election administration, the President’s Secretariat, commerce and digital public procurement.
About Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC)
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (GMDC) is a Gujarat government-owned mining enterprise involved in the exploration and development of mineral resources. The corporation has operations in minerals including lignite and bauxite and contributes to Gujarat’s mining and industrial ecosystem.
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