HCL Technologies inaugurated its Global Technology Centre at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) on Friday, 17 July, marking a significant expansion of the company's footprint in western India. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi presided over the inauguration, calling the facility a milestone for the state's information technology sector and lauding the company's commitment to local hiring.

Local Hiring at the Core

What sets this launch apart from typical large-scale IT expansions is HCL Tech's deliberate focus on recruiting from within Gujarat rather than drawing talent from other states. Sanghavi noted that most large IT companies typically source manpower from states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, making HCL Tech's local-first approach a notable departure from industry norms.

'Generally, large IT companies import manpower from other states. However, unlike others, HCL Tech is working towards creating employment opportunities at the local level and progressing by involving local partners. This policy of the company is truly commendable and will play an important role in making the state's youth self-reliant,' Sanghavi said at the inauguration.

The centre has commenced operations with a team of 100 employees in its initial phase, with the majority drawn from the local Gujarati workforce.

The 'Come Back Home' Initiative

A key feature of HCL Tech's Gujarat strategy is its 'Come Back Home' programme, designed to attract skilled Gujarati professionals currently working in cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, as well as those employed overseas — particularly in the United States — back to their home state.

Sanghavi praised the initiative, saying it sets a benchmark for other companies. 'HCL's initiative to bring talented young people from Gujarat back to their home state and provide employment has set an example for other companies. Through this centre, Gujarati youth will now be able to build world-class IT careers while staying with their families in their home state and fulfil their dreams,' he said.

Advanced AI Lab and Fintech Focus

Beyond standard IT operations, the new facility houses an advanced Artificial Intelligence Lab, which Sanghavi described as 'a game-changer for future technology.' The centre is positioned to support Gujarat's growing finance-IT ecosystem, with GIFT City serving as the country's first operational smart city and international financial services hub.

The facility currently occupies two floors, and Sanghavi expressed hope that HCL Tech would scale up its Gujarat presence significantly in the coming months.

GIFT City's Transformation

Sanghavi used the occasion to highlight GIFT City's evolution from undeveloped land into a globally recognised fintech hub. He credited the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, as Gujarat's Chief Minister, had conceptualised the project. 'Years ago this was barren land, but GIFT City is an excellent example of how any dream can be realised on the ground through proper leadership, firm determination and hard work,' he said.

Senior HCL Tech officials including Vijaykumar, Rahul Singh, and Sanjay Kaul attended the inauguration alongside representatives from the IT industry and young professionals.

With the centre now operational, all eyes will be on how quickly HCL Tech scales its Gujarat headcount and whether the 'Come Back Home' model spurs similar reverse-migration programmes across the Indian IT sector.