I&B unveils policy draft for animation, visual FX

The Centre is preparing to unveil a national skilling academy in Mumbai dedicated to animation and gaming in the next few months and is also working with the industry on a new curriculum for these sectors, targeting about 2 million jobs by 2030.

The draft – both for national-level as well as states – has recommended launching a ‘Create in India’ campaign with exclusive focus on Indian content.

While an international AVGC platform will be set up, along with a gaming expo with focus on Foreign Direct Investment, co-production treaties and innovation, the government will also launch a mission and a campaign to showcase the promise of these sectors to students and parents.

The information and broadcasting ministry released the draft policies for the AVGC-XR sector based on recommendations by a task force set up last year to decide on a roadmap for the sector.

The report has, however, skipped issues such as “game of skill” and “game of chance” often raised by courts when it comes to gaming.

It has specifically recommended that industry participation be enhanced to ensure employment opportunities and absorption of students from non-metro cities and northeastern states.
The AVGC sector in India has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent times and could witness a growth of 14-16% in the next decade, said Apurva Chandra, secretary in the information and broadcasting ministry.

“India is emerging as a primary destination for high-end, skill-based activities in the AVGC sector. Indian content is anyway very popular and across Indian towns there are creative students waiting to get the right opportunity,” Chandra said.

The recommendations of the taskforce are being considered, Chandra said, adding that there are 185,000 professionals employed in the AVGC sector, with another 30,000 who are indirectly employed.

“The sector is the best example of creativity and technology. The draft policies for growth of the AVGC-XR sector, both at the national and state level, will help the growth of the M&E industry in general and contribute to India’s growth as an AVGC hub,” he added.