The tech sector is confident that the government’s move towards creating a national framework for creation of Global Capability Centres in emerging Tier II cities, will yield positive results and see the emergence of talent hubs beyond Bengaluru and some other metropolitan centres.
“The introduction of a National Framework for GCCs will drive strategic workforce expansion into tier-2 cities, allowing India to strengthen its position as a global talent hub. As an industry leader in workforce solutions, Quess is committed to enabling this transformation by bridging the gap between talent supply and industry demand, ensuring businesses have access to skilled professionals in an evolving job landscape,” Ajit Isaac, Chairman, Quess Corp, said.
The GCC sector has witnessed significant growth, with more global firms establishing operations in emerging Tier-2 cities. The Economic Survey indicated that the number of GCCs in India has increased from approximately 1,430 in FY19 to over 1,700 in FY24, employing nearly 1.9 million professionals.
An analyst at a global consulting firm said that cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, and Vadodara are becoming attractive alternatives. In the South, cities like Coimbatore and Kochi are also gaining attention.
Arindam Sen, partner and GCC sector leader (TMT), EY India, said, “The government’s initiative to formulate a national framework for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in emerging Tier 2 cities is a significant step forward. Cities like Jaipur, Vadodara, Coimbatore, and Kochi are quickly becoming popular alternatives to metro cities, with GCC leaders increasingly considering these locations for expansion. The framework will provide guidance to states on enhancing talent availability, improving infrastructure, and fostering collaboration with the industry”.
Lalit Ahuja, CEO of ANSR, which facilitates the establishment of GCCs in India, sees the initiative as transformative. “With 80% of global firms yet to establish GCCs in India, this move significantly enhances the country’s attractiveness as a global GCC capital. ANSR has already been working with KDEM (Karnataka Digital Economy Mission), GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), and multiple state governments to facilitate GCC expansion in emerging urban centers,” he said.
Ahuja believes the framework will not only create millions of skilled jobs but also establish India as the top destination for global enterprises seeking advanced capabilities.
Piyush Somani, chairman and managing director, ESDS Software Solution, emphasised the digital infrastructure aspect. “The promotion of GCCs in Tier-2 cities will strengthen India’s digital infrastructure, unlocking new opportunities in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. At ESDS, we are excited to align with these transformative initiatives and contribute to India’s journey as a global technology leader”.
