NAGPUR: On Tuesday, the state cabinet approved a new policy aimed at attracting investments in Global Capacity Centres (GCCs). The initiative emphasizes Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities such as Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, with a goal of increasing the number of GCCs in the state to 800.
This policy, effective from 2025 to 2030, seeks to draw in investments totaling ₹50,600 crore and create 400,000 new jobs. Currently, Maharashtra is home to 400 GCCs that employ 400,000 individuals. With this decision, Maharashtra joins other states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh in having a dedicated GCC policy.
The policy outlines incentives such as property tax breaks, reliable electricity and water supply to GCCs, and benefits including flexible working hours and increased space for businesses setting up in these centres, according to a note from the state’s information directorate.
“Currently, there are 400 GCCs operating in the state, providing jobs for 400,000 people. The aim is to establish another 400 GCCs, generating 400,000 new positions,” the note stated. As of 2021, India had about 1,200 GCCs; this number has now risen to 1,900, collectively employing 1.9 million people nationwide.
The GCCs are expected to create a digital databank, draw foreign investments, and establish globally recognized economic centres. These centres are subsidiaries of multinational corporations that focus on essential functions such as research and strategy development, leveraging highly skilled professionals. The Association of Industrial Development (AID), supported by Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari, has been advocating for a GCC policy as well. AID president Ashish Kale expressed approval that the policy prioritizes small cities. Recently, an IT company launched a GCC in Nagpur as part of this initiative. The government anticipates that GCCs will boost sectors such as defence, space, logistics, agriculture, food processing, mining, jewelry, renewable energy, textiles, and automotive.
