Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel unveiled the Gujarat Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025-30 on February 11, 2025, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. Formulated by the Department of Science and Technology, the policy targets the establishment of 250 new GCC units, attracting investments exceeding Rs 10,000 crore and generating over 50,000 high-value employment opportunities over the next five years. The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including GIFT City Managing Director Tapan Ray, NITI Aayog Director Debjani Ghosh, and Principal Secretary of Science and Technology Mona Khandhar, signaling strong institutional support for this ambitious initiative.
The policy is designed to create a world-class ecosystem for Global Capability Centres, which have evolved from cost-saving units to strategic innovation hubs offering services in technology, finance, analytics, engineering, and research & development. By prioritizing skill development, infrastructure enhancement, and digital innovation, Gujarat aims to strengthen its economic competitiveness and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat. CM Patel emphasized that the state’s policy-driven approach, supported by sector-specific frameworks like the Semiconductor Policy and Green Hydrogen Policy, has already fostered a business-friendly environment for emerging industries.
A cornerstone of the GCC Policy is its financial incentives, structured to attract multinational corporations. Units with a Gross Fixed Capital Investment (GFCI) below Rs 250 crore will receive capital expenditure (CAPEX) support of up to Rs 50 crore, while those exceeding Rs 250 crore are eligible for Rs 200 crore. Operational expenditure (OPEX) assistance ranges from Rs 20 crore to Rs 40 crore, covering cloud rentals, bandwidth, and renewable energy expenses. Additionally, the policy offers a 7% interest subsidy on term loans, capped at Rs 1 crore annually, and full reimbursement of electricity duty for five years, significantly reducing operational overheads for businesses.
Employment generation is another critical focus. Companies recruiting local talent will receive one-time assistance equivalent to 50% of a month’s Cost-to-Company (CTC) for employees retained for at least one year, with higher incentives for female hires (up to Rs 60,000) compared to male employees (Rs 50,000). The policy also mandates reimbursement of statutory EPF contributions—100% for female employees and 75% for males—under the Atmanirbhar Gujarat Rojgar Sahay Yojana, promoting gender-inclusive workforce participation. To bridge skill gaps, the state will reimburse up to 75% of course fees for students and 50% for professionals pursuing advanced certifications.
Infrastructure development remains central to Gujarat’s strategy. Projects like GIFT City and Innovation Clusters in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat are expected to bolster the state’s connectivity and technological capabilities. These initiatives complement the GCC Policy’s goal of sustaining economic growth, reflected in Gujarat’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 22 trillion in FY2023, which accounts for 8% of India’s GDP. With plans to increase this contribution to 10% by 2030, the policy aligns with broader economic targets while addressing urban unemployment, which dropped sharply to 2.3% in 2023–24 from 8.7% the previous year.
The GCC Policy also dovetails with the Union Budget 2025’s emphasis on expanding GCC opportunities in smaller cities, ensuring equitable talent distribution nationwide. By integrating these measures, Gujarat seeks to empower its youth, drive innovation, and cement its reputation as a premier destination for global businesses. As CM Patel noted, the policy is not merely an economic catalyst but a transformative step toward realizing India’s long-term vision of sustainable development and global leadership.
