Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Ajay Bhadoo as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e-Marketplace (GeM). His appointment comes as GeM transitions into a next-generation digital procurement platform, powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Who is Ajay Bhadoo?
- A 1999-batch officer from Gujarat cadre, has been appointed as CEO of GeM while continuing his current role as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce under Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Key Past Positions:
- Deputy Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India.
- Joint Secretary to former President Ram Nath Kovind.
- CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board.
- Commissioner of Rajkot & Vadodara Municipal Corporations.
- Current Responsibilities: Will continue as Additional Secretary while assuming charge as GeM CEO.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
- India’s largest online procurement platform for government purchases.
- Launched: August 9, 2016.
- Objective: Enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in public procurement.
- Key Impact:
- Supports government buyers, startups, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs.
- Empowered startups to fulfill orders worth ₹35,950 crore.
- Women entrepreneurs make up 8% of total sellers, with 1,77,786 Udyam-verified women MSEs registered on GeM.
- Women-owned businesses have executed orders worth ₹46,615 crore.
- The platform has recorded a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth.