INTRODUCTION

Global Capability Centres (GCC) have undergone significant transformation in India in the last decade, in terms of their capability and impact. Several states have introduced specific policies on GCCs to promote them, in addition to general policies on IT/ITES, SEZ/STPI etc. The Maharashtra GCC Policy 2025 notified on 3 November 2025 (2025 Policy) offers various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to GCCs in the state, with a view to attract new GCCs to Maharashtra, create high-skilled jobs, and develop GCC hubs in Tier 2 and 3 cities such as Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (in addition to existing hubs in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune). The 2025 Policy will remain in effect until FY 2029-2030 or until the next policy comes into effect, whichever is earlier.

The 2025 Policy promotes sector-specific GCC clusters for priority sectors (e.g. IT/ITES, automotive, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy etc.), and supports the development of Common Facility Centres for GCCs (which will offer ready-to-use office spaces and co-working hubs, incubation centres and digital infrastructure). The state will develop dedicated GCC parks as self-sustaining business districts, and establish tech-enabled innovation clusters for emerging sectors (AI, blockchain, medical devices etc.) such as Innovation City and Maharashtra Global Med-Tech Zone.

A GCC-start-up collaboration framework will be established to facilitate partnerships through accelerators, dedicated co-innovation labs, regulatory sandboxes and fast-track pilots. A comprehensive workforce development strategy will be implemented by the state, involving university partnerships and skilling programs that integrate GCC-specific curricula into higher education, employer-led internships and apprenticeships, and upskilling programs for professionals.  

We have outlined below some of the key fiscal and non-fiscal incentives available to GCCs under the 2025 Policy (noting that the relevant government departments will need to separately issue orders/ guidelines to give effect to such incentives).

ELIGIBLE GCCS

GCCs are integrated captive hubs established by multinational corporations or Indian global companies, that are wholly owned and operated by the parent company and provide specialized services exclusively for the parent organization, in areas such as information technology, R&D, finance, centres of excellence, human resources, and other strategic or business support functions. GCCs do not include BPO units, call centres that serve third-party clients, or pure-play sales entities engaged in marketing, distribution, or sale of products etc.

GCCs are divided into the following categories:  

INCENTIVES FOR GCCS

Some of the key fiscal incentives under the 2025 Policy

• Capital subsidy or rental assistance: During the policy period, GCCs will be eligible for either capital subsidy (on FCI comprising of plant and machinery only) OR rental assistance (for a period of up to five years), on a first-come, first-served basis, in the following manner:

•  Payroll subsidy: GCCs will receive reimbursement of the cost of salaries and emoluments paid to Indian on-roll employees with a monthly salary above INR 100,000, capped at INR 50 million annually per GCC unit. Within this overall cap, (i) in Zone I, the subsidy will be 40% of the salary component above INR 100,000 for a period of 3 years, up to INR 50,000 per employee for a maximum of 100 employees per year; and (ii) in Zone II, the subsidy will be 50% of the salary component above INR 100,000 for a period of 3 years, up to INR 50,000 per employee, for a maximum of 100 employees per year. GCCs employing at least 50% diversity hiring, including women and persons with disabilities in their workforce will get an additional 10% payroll subsidy, up to INR 60,000 per employee per month.
• Interest subsidy: In Zone II, interest subsidy of up to 5% on eligible term loans will be provided by the state government, subject to the GCC contributing a minimum of 5% of the payable interest rate per annum. The total interest subsidy will not exceed 10% of the FCI and will be available for a maximum period of 5 years. The annual subsidy cap shall be INR 50 million of the payable interest rate per annum, with a maximum cap of INR 250 million per GCC unit.
• Power tariff subsidy and electricity duty exemption: GCCs registered with the Industries Department will be supplied power at industrial rates at a subsidy of INR 1 per unit for 5 years for Zone I, and INR 2 per unit for 5 years for Zone II, subject to a total cap of INR 2 million per unit per annum under this subsidy. All GCCs will be eligible for electricity duty exemption for a period of 10 years.
• Additional investment incentive: The government may provide customised incentives on additional FCI made by GCCs for expansion, modernisation or diversification, if such additional FCI (i) results in at least a 25% increase in the GCC’s existing gross FCI, and (ii) generates a minimum of 25% additional employment in the non-supervisory category.  
• Other incentives: GCCs owned by Indian nationals can avail of certain grants on the statutory fees for filing patents. Subject to a minimum of 2% of FCI being allocated towards R&D, GCCs are eligible for 25% reimbursement of costs incurred towards R&D expenses, up to INR 5 million per GCC per year for 4 years, capped at INR 20 million per GCC throughout the policy period. GCCs collaborating with Maharashtra-based universities for joint research projects will receive an additional 10% subsidy. There are also incentives for green building certification costs and internship programs under state government schemes.  

Some of the key non-fiscal incentives under the 2025 Policy

• Reserved MIDC land and priority allotment: In new Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) industrial estates, minimum 10% of the area will be designated for GCCs. GCC units will receive priority allotment of land, irrespective of investment size.
• Industry status and flexible employment conditions: GCCs will be granted industry status, and will be permitted to work 24x7x365 days with three shifts per day, including employment of women in night shifts. Relevant labour laws will be relaxed, provided GCCs ensure safety and security measures such as security arrangements, creche facilities, restrooms, safe transportation, and welfare amenities.
• Continuous power and water supply: GCCs will receive continuous 24x7 power supply, and be exempted from statutory power cuts. GCCs in MIDC areas will receive 24x7 uninterrupted water supply.
• Other incentives: State government will establish a GCC Facilitation Cell within the state’s single-window platform (Maharashtra Industry Trade & Investment Facilitation Cell) to support GCCs, fast-track approvals, and provide GCCs with a comprehensive database of existing units, upcoming developments, reserved spaces, and available commercial spaces for new setups.  

Other incentives under existing policies extended to GCCs

Certain incentives under the Maharashtra IT & ITeS Policy 2023 will be extended to GCCs, including stamp duty exemption, additional floor space index, zoning relaxation, permission for mixed-use planning, property tax at residential rates, power through open access etc.

CONCLUSION

The 2025 Policy signals a strong push by Maharashtra to position itself as a preferred destination for GCCs of various sizes, with a mix of targeted fiscal support and enabling regulatory reforms. By combining capital, rental, payroll, power, and R&D-linked incentives with non-fiscal measures such as reserved MIDC land, industry status, flexible work conditions and reliable infrastructure, the policy aims to both attract new GCCs and help existing units scale and upgrade. If effectively implemented, these measures could significantly boost high-skilled employment and accelerate the development of GCC hubs across both Tier 1 and emerging Tier 2/3 cities in Maharashtra.