POLICY BRIEF: Maharashtra’s GCC Policy 2025
A New Chapter for Global Capability Centres
With the launch of its GCC Policy 2025, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a strong destination for global enterprises. The state is making a strong pitch to global companies by offering Various incentives — including capital subsidies, rental support, and talent-linked benefits — to attract and expand Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Global In-house Centres (GICs), and Offshoring Units.
Eligibility at a Glance
The policy is open to new GCC units that serve their parent organisations or affiliates, as well as existing GCCs looking to expand. To qualify, a unit must meet either a Fixed Capital Investment (FCI) or a Direct Employment threshold.
Units are classified into five tiers:
| Classification | Min. Investment (INR) | Direct Employment |
| Small | ₹50 – ₹100 crores | 100 – 250 |
| Medium | ₹100 – ₹250 crores | 250 – 500 |
| Large | ₹250 – ₹500 crores | 500 – 750 |
| Mega | ₹500 – ₹750 crores | 750 – 1,000 |
| Ultra Mega | Above ₹750 crores | Above 1,000 |
Existing GCCs are also eligible, provided they increase Fixed Capital Investment by at least 25% and generate at least 25% additional employment in the non-supervisory category.
Fiscal Incentives
Incentives are structured across two geographic zones.
- Zone I covers the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR).
- Zone II covers the rest of Maharashtra — typically with higher subsidy rates to encourage decentralised growth.
1. Capital Subsidy
A 20% subsidy on eligible fixed capital investment (Plant & Machinery only), available across both zones. The subsidy amount is disbursed over a period of 5 years in equal instalments. Cap amounts scale with GCC size:
| Classification | Subsidy Rate | Cap Amount |
| Small | 20% of eligible investment | Up to ₹10 crore |
| Medium | 20% of eligible investment | Up to ₹20 crore |
| Large | 20% of eligible investment | Up to ₹50 crore |
| Mega | 20% of eligible investment | Up to ₹100 crore |
2. Rental Assistance
For new GCC units, rental support is available for up to 5 years. Zone I: 10% of actual rent. Zone II: 20% of actual rent. Capped at ₹1–4 crore depending on GCC size.
| Zone | Rate | Small | Medium | Large | Mega/Ultra Mega |
| Zone I | 10% of rent | Up to ₹1 cr | Up to ₹2 cr | Up to ₹3 cr | Up to ₹4 cr |
| Zone II | 20% of rent | Up to ₹1 cr | Up to ₹2 cr | Up to ₹3 cr | Up to ₹4 cr |
Note: GCC units may claim either Capital Subsidy or Rental Assistance — not both.
3. Payroll Subsidy
Reimbursement for high-value talent earning above ₹1 lakh/month:
- Zone I: 40% of salary above ₹1,00,000/month (max ₹50,000 per employee, 100 employees/year, for 3 years).
- Zone II: 50% of salary above ₹1,00,000/month (same cap as above).
4. Diversity Incentive
+10% additional payroll subsidy
GCCs that achieve at least 50% diversity hiring — covering women and persons with disabilities — receive an additional 10% payroll subsidy, raising the ceiling to ₹60,000 per employee per month.
5. Power Tariff Subsidy & Electricity Duty Exemption
- Zone I: ₹1/unit subsidy for 5 years (cap ₹20 lakh per annum)
- Zone II: ₹2/unit subsidy for 5 years (cap ₹20 lakh per annum)
- Electricity duty exemption for 10 years (across both zones) — effectively saving approximately 21% on electricity bills.
ZONE COMPARISON
Zone I vs Zone II: Key Differences
| Incentive | Zone I (MMR & PMR) | Zone II (Rest of Maharashtra) |
| Rental Subsidy | 10% of actual rent | 20% of actual rent |
| Payroll Subsidy | 40% above ₹1L/month | 50% above ₹1L/month |
| Power Tariff | ₹1/unit for 5 years | ₹2/unit for 5 years |
Other Incentives in the Mix
Along with fiscal benefits, the policy also extends support for innovation, sustainability, and talent development:
- Patent filing assistance.
- Green certification support.
- R&D grants.
- Internship programmes (CMYKPY)
Conclusion
For multinational companies deciding where to set up in India, Maharashtra has made a strong case. The GCC Policy 2025 is not just one benefit — it covers the three key areas: capital cost, office space, and talent. The policy also focuses on quality jobs. Incentives are linked to salary levels, not just the number of employees. It also encourages diversity by offering extra benefits, making it both a business and social advantage.
For companies already in Maharashtra, there is a clear way to get more benefits by expanding their operations & For new companies, the Zone II incentives offer a good chance to set up at a lower cost outside major cities.
APKG & Co., Chartered Accountants
We provide end-to-end support for companies evaluating or establishing GCCs under this policy. Our comprehensive services cover every stage of the incentive lifecycle:
- Policy interpretation & eligibility assessment
- Application filing & documentation support
- Operational setup guidance
- Subsidy claim processing & disbursal tracking
- Ongoing compliance support & regulatory liaison
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Reach out to our team: CA Kapil Gokharu +91 99300 09415 | kapil@apkg.co.in of CA Abhishek Pokharna +91 98207 34416 | abhishek@apkg.co.in
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