Mon, Sep 28, 2026
Ajay Bhadoo Returns to Gujarat: 1999-Batch IAS Officer Appointed MD, GMDC
From field administration to central policymaking, Bhadoo brings extensive experience to a key role in the mining sector
Sep 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Ajay Bhadoo, who was serving as Additional Secretary at the Commerce and Industry Ministry, will take over as Managing Director, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC). The 55-year-old bureaucrat, who is an IAS officer of the 1999 batch of the Gujarat cadre, played a key role in framing India’s trade pacts.
Bhadoo will replace Roopwant Singh, who was handling the post of GMDC MD in an additional charge.
From Field Administration To Policymaking
Ajay Bhadoo’s administrative career has taken him from district administration in Gujarat to urban development, infrastructure, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), and key responsibilities at the national level.
Bhadoo studied Civil Engineering and later obtained a Master of Business Laws from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. His career reflects a combination of technical expertise and an understanding of law and policy.
Bhadoo’s tenure in district administration has been marked by several notable initiatives. During his tenure as Collector of Mehsana, he received the Best Collector Award twice — for 2007-08 and 2009-10. The awards recognised his administrative performance in areas including grievance redressal, citizen services, and pro-poor initiatives.
During his district administration tenure, Bhadoo undertook initiatives covering water conservation, digitisation of land records, online file tracking, revival of public libraries and modernisation of mid-day meal kitchens. As DDO in Bharuch, he also introduced a biometric attendance system for government employees, an initiative considered innovative at the time.
A significant phase of Bhadoo’s career was his tenure as Secretary in the CMO. He worked with both Anandiben Patel and Vijay Rupani. His move to the CMO came after experience in district administration, municipal governance, and infrastructure, marking another important phase in his administrative career.
Important Role In Department Of Commerce
Since 6 August, 2024, Ajay Bhadoo has been serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce at the Centre. His career profile records his continued role in Central deputation.
However, the 28 September, 2026 notification of the Gujarat government records his repatriation to the State government and places his services at the disposal of the Industries and Mines Department. He will accordingly take charge as Managing Director of GMDC.
Quick Decision-Making
Bhadoo’s working style has been characterised by quick decision-making, direct execution, and a focus on results.
With a long administrative career spanning field administration, governance, policymaking and the Central Government, the officer is now set to bring his experience to GMDC. With the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) scheduled for January 2027, his experience in the mining and minerals sector could be particularly relevant as Gujarat engages with representatives from India and abroad on the global platform.
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