Maharashtra aims to become India’s top hub for Global Capability Centres: CM Fadnavis
Pune, Aug 11 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced that the Maharashtra government is determined to make the state India’s leading and most preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Speaking at the GCCProj Leadership Summit, the Chief Minister outlined an ambitious target to establish 400 new GCCs, generate 400,000 high-skilled jobs, and attract Rs 50,000 crore in investments.
Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis highlighted how the nature of GCCs in India has fundamentally evolved from low-cost back-office assistance to high-value innovation nodes.
“By 2030, Global Capability Centres will no longer be limited to support operations. They will serve as core hubs for engineering, artificial intelligence, product development, cybersecurity, financial services, data analytics, and research & development (R&D),” CM Fadnavis said, adding that key strategic decisions for global enterprises will increasingly originate from these centres.
Fadnavis stressed that Maharashtra offers a complete, interconnected ecosystem that gives it a distinct edge over other states. Rather than relying on a single metropolitan area, the state provides a network of specialised cities including Mumbai as Financial and institutional headquarters, Pune as Engineering, automotive, technology, and product development hub, Navi Mumbai as Global business and technology centre, Nagpur as specialised technology and shared services hub, Nashik as industrial engineering and technical capability centre and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as advanced manufacturing and automotive innovation centre.
Pointing to Pune’s rapid rise, the Chief Minister noted that in 2025, Pune emerged as India’s second-largest office market for GCCs, doubling its centre count compared to the previous year. He expressed confidence that Pune would lead the nation in the GCC sector by the end of 2026.
While the state’s GCC policy includes wage subsidies, capital/rental support, interest subvention, and R&D assistance, Fadnavis clarified that financial incentives alone do not build sustainable success.
“Subsidies can attract initial investment, but a lasting ecosystem relies on talent, infrastructure, ease of doing business, quality of life, university research, and trust between government and industry,” he noted.
Key policy provisions will also offer higher Floor Space Index (FSI), flexible land use, prioritised land allotment, digital data infrastructure, and 24/7 operational support.
With rapid shifts brought on by artificial intelligence, the Chief Minister urged the industry and academia to collaborate closely to build a robust talent pipeline. Demand is rising sharply for AI engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, semiconductor engineers, quantitative finance specialists, and life sciences researchers.
“Industry must guide universities on what skills will be needed over the next five years, rather than focusing on what was required five years ago,” CM Fadnavis stated. He also highlighted the state’s agreement signed in Davos to set up an AI research, application, and innovation centre at BKC in Mumbai.
To support this rapid growth, CM Fadnavis committed to reforming government administrative processes to mirror corporate efficiency. The state is developing a single-point contact system for GCC investors.
“Investors shouldn’t have to wait weeks or months for approvals. A single point person and unified system will handle establishment, expansion, and issue resolution,” he assured.
The Chief Minister emphasised that GCCs will play a pivotal role in driving Maharashtra toward its $1 trillion economy target, bringing in not just capital, but institutional knowledge, global best practices, and high-value leadership opportunities.
Echoing this vision, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and digital integration. She emphasised that Pune’s unique blend of IT, manufacturing, and skilled talent positions it as a natural launchpad for AI, robotics, and advanced R&D.
–IANS
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