Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), a leading defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has appointed Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems), Department of Defence Production, as a Part-Time Official Director and Government Nominee Director on its Board.
The appointment has been made following a nomination from the Ministry of Defence, strengthening government representation in the company’s board-level decision-making.
Appointment Approved via Ministry of Defence Nomination
According to GRSE’s regulatory filing with stock exchanges, the Ministry of Defence issued its nomination letter dated June 5, 2026, appointing Dr Zade to the Board.
The company confirmed that it has received:
- Dr Zade’s Director Identification Number (DIN: 05142336)
- His detailed professional profile
GRSE also stated that Dr Zade is not debarred from holding any directorship by SEBI or any other statutory authority.
The appointment has been disclosed under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Replacement of Existing Government Nominee Director
As part of the board restructuring, Dr Zade replaces Shri Dinesh Mahur, who has relinquished his position as Part-Time Official Director and Government Nominee Director with effect from June 5, 2026.
The change reflects a routine administrative nomination by the Government of India for board representation in defence public sector undertakings.
Profile of Dr Vijay N. Zade
Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade is a 2002-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Punjab cadre. He currently serves as Joint Secretary (Naval Systems) in the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence, a position he assumed in May 2026.
Academic Qualifications
Dr Zade holds an impressive academic background, including:
- Doctorate in Horticulture (Post Harvest Technology) from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute
- MBA from Sikkim Manipal University
- Master’s degree in Public Management and Governance from the London School of Economics and Political Science
Administrative and Professional Experience
Before joining the IAS, Dr Zade worked as a Junior Scientist at the National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune and also served in the Indian Audit and Accounts Service.
Over his administrative career, he has held several senior positions across multiple governments, including:
- Government of Punjab (Finance, Health, Housing & Urban Development)
- Government of Maharashtra
- Union Territory of Chandigarh
He has served in roles such as Finance Secretary, Secretary in various departments, and Managing Director of state public sector undertakings.
Role in Ministry of Defence
In his current role as Joint Secretary (Naval Systems), Dr Zade oversees:
- Financial and administrative matters of defence shipyards
- Operational coordination of defence PSUs
- Technology indigenisation policies
- International defence cooperation with SAARC, ASEAN, and East Asian countries
The company confirmed that Dr Zade does not hold any equity shares in GRSE and has no inter-se relationship with other board members.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited is one of India’s leading defence shipbuilding companies, engaged in designing and constructing warships and other vessels primarily for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The company plays a key role in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and maritime security capabilities.
