Maharashtra approves GCC policy to set up 400 centres, create 4 lakh jobs

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy aimed at establishing 400 new centres and creating 400,000 high-skilled jobs over the next five years. 

According to Business Standard, the policy will remain in effect until the end of fiscal year 2029–30 or until a new framework replaces it. It sets targets to integrate industry-driven curricula into higher education, foster cutting-edge research, and equip the state’s workforce with advanced digital and technical skills.

The government said the policy is intended to promote GCC-led research, attract knowledge-intensive investment, and encourage multinational collaboration. It also includes the development of business districts and a digital databank to support technology-driven growth.

State officials told The Hindu BusinessLine that the policy will focus on expanding GCC activity beyond established hubs such as Mumbai and Pune into tier-2 and tier-3 cities including Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The government said the aim is to create new economic centres and reduce regional disparities.

Governance and infrastructure

The government will set up a Maharashtra GCC Growth Council to act as both think tank and advisory group, The Economic Times reported. The council will ensure the policy aligns with regional economic priorities, global business trends, and industry-specific workforce needs.

The policy also calls for dedicated GCC parks equipped with “walk-to-work” layouts and plug-and-play office infrastructure. Specialised GCC clusters will be developed under flagship projects such as Innovation City and the Maharashtra Global Med Zone.

The Cabinet statement outlined subsidies to encourage investment. Small units with investment of ₹50 crore will receive a one-time capital subsidy of ₹10 crore. Medium units investing between ₹100 crore and ₹250 crore will receive ₹20 crore, while large units with investment between ₹250 crore and ₹300 crore will be eligible for ₹50 crore.

The government will also provide reimbursement towards rent, green certification, patent filing, and research and development grants.

According to The Hindu BusinessLine, non-financial support will include industry status for GCCs, additional floor space index with premium concessions, a critical infrastructure fund, zoning relaxations, and a single-window clearance mechanism. Provisions for right-of-way approvals and related standard operating procedures are also included.

India is a global hub for Global Capability Centres, which perform functions such as IT services, research and development, engineering, and finance. According to industry body NASSCOM, India hosts more than 1,600 GCCs employing over 1.7 million professionals as of 2024.

Maharashtra accounts for a large share of GCCs, led by Mumbai and Pune. The new policy is designed to expand activity into emerging cities and strengthen the state’s position in the national and global GCC market.