Introduction: Odisha’s Vision for a Developed Future

Odisha, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for ‘Viksit Odisha’ (Developed Odisha), aiming to transform the state into a leading economic powerhouse in India. In a recent address, CM Majhi expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering support and transformative reforms that have set the stage for Odisha’s rapid progress. As reported by Oneindia, this vision is not just about infrastructure, but about holistic growth, inclusive development, and making Odisha a preferred destination for global investments, especially for professional services companies establishing Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

Odisha’s Strategic Roadmap: A Magnet for Global Capability Centres

The ‘Viksit Odisha’ initiative is built on the pillars of robust infrastructure, policy reforms, digital transformation, and a skilled workforce. These elements are crucial for professional services companies looking to establish or expand their Global Capability Centres in India. Odisha’s roadmap includes:

• World-class Infrastructure: Investments in smart cities, logistics, ports, and connectivity to facilitate seamless business operations.
• Progressive Policies: Business-friendly policies, single-window clearances, and incentives for IT, ITeS, and professional services sectors.
• Talent Development: Collaboration with academic institutions and skill development programs to create a future-ready workforce.
• Digital Odisha: Emphasis on digital governance, e-services, and cyber security to attract technology-driven GCCs.

These strategic moves align with the latest research from NASSCOM’s 2024 GCC Trends, which highlights that India continues to be the global leader in GCCs, with over 1,580 centres employing 1.66 million professionals. Odisha’s reforms are positioning the state to capture a significant share of this growing market.

PM Modi’s Reforms: Catalyzing Odisha’s Growth Trajectory

CM Majhi’s acknowledgment of PM Modi’s support is rooted in the central government’s transformative reforms, which have directly benefited Odisha’s investment climate. Key reforms include:

• Ease of Doing Business: Streamlined regulatory processes and reduced compliance burdens.
• Digital India and Startup India: Initiatives fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital adoption.
• Infrastructure Push: National infrastructure pipeline and Gati Shakti projects improving connectivity and logistics.
• Skill India: Massive upskilling and reskilling programs to meet the demands of modern businesses.

These reforms have created a fertile ground for professional services companies to set up GCCs in emerging locations like Odisha, beyond traditional hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

Odisha: The New Frontier for Professional Services GCCs

Recent research by EY (2024) indicates a paradigm shift in GCC location strategies, with companies seeking cost-effective, talent-rich, and less saturated markets. Odisha stands out due to:

• Abundant Talent Pool: Over 400,000 graduates annually from reputed institutions, including IIT Bhubaneswar and NIT Rourkela.
• Competitive Costs: Lower real estate and operational costs compared to metro cities.
• Government Incentives: Attractive packages for IT/ITeS and professional services companies.
• Quality of Life: Clean, green cities with a focus on safety and work-life balance.

Professional services firms establishing GCCs in Odisha can leverage these advantages to drive innovation, digital transformation, and business process excellence.

Han Digital: Your Strategic Partner in Odisha’s Talent Market

As Odisha emerges as a GCC hotspot, navigating the local talent landscape becomes critical for success. Han Digital, a leading talent intelligence and workforce solutions provider, brings unparalleled expertise in connecting professional services companies with top-tier talent and senior leadership across India.

Han Digital’s Unique Value Proposition

• Deep Talent Market Insights: Han Digital’s proprietary research and analytics provide real-time data on talent availability, compensation trends, and skill gaps in Odisha and other emerging locations.
• Senior Leadership Connections: With strong relationships across C-suite and senior management in top organizations, Han Digital facilitates strategic hiring and leadership acquisition for new GCCs.
• Customized Talent Solutions: From talent mapping to employer branding and workforce planning, Han Digital tailors solutions to the unique needs of professional services GCCs.
• Proven Track Record: Han Digital has successfully partnered with Fortune 500 companies and global consultancies to establish and scale GCCs in India.

For professional services companies eyeing Odisha, partnering with Han Digital ensures a competitive edge in talent acquisition, retention, and leadership development.

Case Study: How Han Digital Enabled a Leading Consulting Firm’s GCC in Odisha

In 2023, a global professional services firm partnered with Han Digital to set up its first GCC in Bhubaneswar. Han Digital’s approach included:

1. Talent Mapping: Identified over 5,000 professionals with expertise in finance, analytics, and digital transformation within a 50 km radius of Bhubaneswar.
2. Leadership Hiring: Leveraged connections to onboard a seasoned GCC Head and department leads within 60 days.
3. Employer Branding: Launched targeted campaigns in local universities and tech forums to build the employer brand.
4. Retention Strategy: Developed a customized retention plan, reducing attrition by 18% in the first year.

This success story underscores Han Digital’s capability to drive GCC growth in Odisha’s evolving business ecosystem.

Odisha’s Investment Climate: What Makes It Attractive for GCCs?

Odisha’s government has rolled out several initiatives to attract professional services and IT companies:

• IT Policy 2022: Offers capital subsidies, power tariff rebates, and tax incentives for new GCCs.
• Startup Odisha: Provides incubation, funding, and mentorship for tech-driven ventures.
• Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA): Partners with industry to align curriculum with GCC requirements.
• Integrated IT Parks: State-of-the-art campuses in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack with plug-and-play facilities.

According to KPMG’s 2024 India GCC Outlook, Odisha is among the top three emerging states for new GCC investments, thanks to its proactive policies and skilled workforce.

Digital Transformation: Odisha’s Leap into the Future

Digital transformation is central to Odisha’s ‘Viksit Odisha’ vision. The state has launched:

• Odisha One Portal: A unified digital platform for citizen and business services.
• Smart City Projects: Bhubaneswar and Rourkela are being developed as smart cities with IoT, AI, and big data solutions.
• Cyber Security Centre of Excellence: In partnership with industry leaders to ensure data protection and compliance for GCCs.

These initiatives make Odisha a secure, efficient, and digitally advanced location for professional services GCCs.

Talent Development: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

Odisha’s focus on education and skill development is unmatched:

• Collaboration with Premier Institutes: Partnerships with IITs, NITs, and global universities to align curricula with industry needs.
• Skill Hubs: Specialized training centres for digital skills, analytics, and business process management.
• Internship and Apprenticeship Programs: Bridging the gap between academia and industry for GCC-ready talent.

Han Digital works closely with these institutions to identify and nurture high-potential talent, ensuring a steady pipeline for GCCs.

Leadership Connect: Han Digital’s Role in Senior Hiring for GCCs

Leadership is the cornerstone of successful GCCs. Han Digital’s extensive network with senior leaders in professional services, consulting, and technology enables:

• Strategic Leadership Hiring: Identification and onboarding of GCC Heads, Directors, and Department Leads.
• Succession Planning: Building leadership pipelines for long-term sustainability.
• Executive Coaching: Supporting new leaders in navigating Odisha’s business landscape.

For companies new to Odisha, Han Digital’s leadership connect ensures rapid ramp-up and cultural integration.

Future Outlook: Odisha as a GCC Powerhouse by 2030

With the foundation laid by CM Majhi’s roadmap and PM Modi’s reforms, Odisha is poised to become a GCC powerhouse by 2030. Industry forecasts suggest:

• Over 100 new GCCs to be established in Odisha by 2030.
• Direct employment of 150,000+ professionals in the GCC sector.
• Significant contribution to Odisha’s GDP and export revenues.

Professional services companies establishing GCCs in Odisha today will be at the forefront of this growth story, benefiting from first-mover advantages and a supportive ecosystem.

How Han Digital Supports Professional Services Companies in Odisha

Han Digital’s end-to-end talent solutions for GCCs in Odisha include:

• Market Intelligence: In-depth reports on talent supply-demand, compensation, and competitor analysis.
• Talent Acquisition: Sourcing, screening, and onboarding of professionals across functions.
• Employer Branding: Positioning your GCC as an employer of choice in Odisha.
• Leadership Hiring: Connecting with senior leaders and building high-performing teams.
• Retention Strategies: Customized programs to reduce attrition and boost engagement.

With Han Digital as your partner, your GCC in Odisha is set for sustainable growth and success.

Conclusion: Seize the Odisha Opportunity with Han Digital

Odisha’s transformation under the ‘Viksit Odisha’ roadmap, backed by PM Modi’s reforms, presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for professional services companies. The state’s business-friendly policies, skilled talent pool, and digital infrastructure make it the ideal destination for establishing Global Capability Centres.

Han Digital, with its deep understanding of the talent market and strong leadership connections, is your trusted partner in navigating Odisha’s dynamic ecosystem. Whether you are planning to set up a new GCC or expand an existing one, Han Digital ensures you have the right talent, leadership, and strategy for success.

Ready to explore Odisha for your next GCC? Contact Han Digital today