Workforce Empowerment and Flexibility: Key Priority of Karnataka's GCC Policy
Karnataka launched India's first Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy with the intention to promote job creation and revenue generation.
Workforce Empowerment and Flexibility: Key Priority of Karnataka's GCC Policy
On November 19, Karnataka launched India's first Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy. The motive behind this initiative is to create 3.5 lakh new jobs and generate $50 billion in economic output.
The policy seeks to promote workforce empowerment and equity, flexible work models and sustainable and ethical business practices. With the aim to make Karnataka a global hub for state-of-the-art innovation by 2030, this policy strives to boost a future-ready workforce.
Developing upskilling initiatives, mentorship programs for women, and support for specially-abled employees will all be a part of this policy. It will also promote remote and hybrid working practises as a way to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
A key highlight of this policy is the 'Beyond Bengaluru' initiative, which includes cities such as Hubballi-Dharwad, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru and Shivamogga. The idea is behind this initiative is to foster innovation hubs across the state, promoting regional development.
For GCC’s establishing operations in the aforementioned areas, the government will sanction full support in terms of rental reimbursements, tax incentives, and utility subsidies. The state will launch three Global Innovation Districts, one in Bengaluru and two in Beyond Bengaluru clusters as means to boost innovation. These districts will provide unique infrastructure, enhanced regulatory processes, and a streamlined ecosystem linking startups, academic institutions, and technology leaders.
A Rs 100-crore Innovation Fund will support joint research between Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and academic institutions, while a Centre of Excellence for AI in Bengaluru will drive AI R&D, ethical practices, and startup growth. The state targets 500 new GCCs by 2029, creating 3.5 lakh jobs and $50 billion in economic output. To decentralize growth, the policy encourages smaller Nano GCCs in Beyond Bengaluru areas, offering flexibility and incentives to spur regional development.
