The Gujarat state cabinet, which convened on Wednesday, has given its approval to a proposal for establishing a dedicated commissionerate to foster the expansion of the services sector. This new body will operate along the lines of the existing industries commissionerate, which serves as the primary facilitator for industrial growth within the state.
Rs 100 Crore Fund for Services Sector
In addition to the commissionerate, the state government has announced a 'Service Sector Growth Fund' amounting to Rs 100 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. This fund will be administered under the newly created commissionerate.
Service Commissioner Post to Be Created
Following the cabinet meeting, state government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani revealed that the position of a service commissioner will be established shortly. He stated, "Just as the industries commissionerate serves the industrial sector in Gujarat, a separate service commissionerate will now be established to drive the growth and development of the services sector."
Vaghani elaborated that the service commissionerate will concentrate on information technology (IT), tourism, logistics, and other service-oriented industries. This initiative is designed to ensure balanced and diversified economic growth as Gujarat aims to strengthen its service economy alongside its well-established manufacturing base.
Origin from GRIT Recommendations
The proposal for a dedicated commissionerate emerged from recommendations made under the Gujarat Rajya Institution for Transformation (GRIT) initiative. GRIT, a state-level think tank established by the Gujarat government, suggested the creation of a separate institutional framework for the comprehensive development of the services sector. This think tank plays a key role in steering developmental strategies and aligning state priorities with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Benefits for MSMEs and Startups
Vaghani further noted that the dedicated fund will not only provide easier access to growth capital for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups in sectors such as IT, tourism, and logistics but will also help generate employment opportunities for youth, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and attract investments into the services sector.
