The task force has put forward a recommendation to launch the "Create in India" initiative with a concentrate on content creation within India, for both domestic and global audiences.
The task force also proposes the establishment of a talent ecosystem and utilizing the Start-Up India program. The report suggests that the National Education Policy be utilized to foster creative thinking, with the inclusion of dedicated AVGC curriculum in schools.
The Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comic (AVGC) Task Force has advocated for the formation of a National AVGC-XR Mission with allocated funds to support the integration and development of the AVGC sector. A comprehensive report, submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and led by the Secretary of I&B, also proposes the launch of the "Create in India" campaign with a singular emphasis on content creation within India, for both local and global consumption.
The Task Force's recommendations are broadly categorized into four areas.
- Fostering Domestic Industry for Global Reach
- The establishment of a National AVGC-XR Mission, with a budget allocation, to drive the integrated growth and promotion of the AVGC sector.
- The launch of the "Create in India" campaign, with a singular focus on content creation within India for both domestic and international audiences.
- With the aim of making India a global hub for the AVGC industry, the creation of an International AVGC Platform, along with a Gaming Expo, to concentrate on foreign direct investment, co-production treaties, and innovation.
- The setting up of a National Center of Excellence (COE) for the AVGC sector, serving as an international reference point for skilling, education, industry development, and research and innovation in the AVGC sector. Regional COEs will be established in partnership with state governments to provide local industries with access and to support local talent and content.
- Nurturing Talent Ecosystem for Optimal Utilization of Demographic Dividend
- The utilization of the National Education Policy to foster creative thinking, with dedicated AVGC course content at the school level, to build foundational skills and raise awareness about AVGC as a career choice.
- The introduction of AVGC-focused undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with standardized curriculum and globally recognized degrees. The standardization of admission tests for AVGC-related courses.
- In light of the estimated demand for 20 lakh skilled professionals in the AVGC sector this decade, the expansion of skilling initiatives for the AVGC sector under the MESC program. The enhancement of industry participation to ensure employment opportunities and absorption for students from non-metropolitan cities and northeastern states.
- The establishment of AVGC accelerators and innovation hubs in academic institutions, similar to Atal Tinkering Labs.
- Strengthening Technology and Financial Viability of the Indian AVGC Industry
- The democratization of AVGC technologies through promoting subscription-based pricing models for MSMEs, start-ups, and institutions.
- The promotion of "Made in India" AVGC technologies through incentive schemes for research and development and intellectual property creation. The evaluation of the PLI scheme to incentivize AVGC hardware manufacturers.
- The improvement of the ease of doing business in the AVGC sector, including tax benefits, import duties, and anti-piracy measures.
- The leveraging of Start-Up India to provide technical, financial, and market access support to AVGC entrepreneurs, encouraging a culture of R&D and local IP creation.
- Elevating India's Soft Power through Inclusive Growth
- The creation of a dedicated production fund for domestic content creation from across India to promote Indian culture and heritage globally. The evaluation of reservation for high-quality indigenous content by broadcasters.
- For an inclusive India, targeted skilling and industry outreach for youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns and villages. The establishment of special incentives for women entrepreneurs in the AVGC sector.
- .The promotion of local children's channels to raise awareness about the rich culture and history of India among children and youth
- The establishment of a framework to ensure child rights protection in the digital world.
The AVGC Task Force was established under the leadership of the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Apurva Chandra, with the aim of maximizing the potential of the AVGC sector in India. Key stakeholders from both the industry and the government were included in the Task Force, such as secretaries from related union ministries, heads of educational organizations, representatives from industry bodies, and members from the state governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. The Task Force also comprised of influential leaders from the AVGC sector, including the Country Head of Technicolor India, the Founder of Punaryug Artvision Pvt. Ltd., the CEO of Anibrain, the COO and VFX Producer of Redchillies VFX, the CTO of Whistling Woods International, the Sr. Vice President and Country Head of Zynga India, and the Managing Director and CEO of Hungama Digital Media Entertainment.
Four sub-task forces were created to develop growth strategies through specific interventions, including Industry and Policy (led by Shri Apurva Chandra), Education (led by Shri Anil Shahashrabudhe), Skilling (led by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal), and Gaming (led by Shri Vikram Sahay). The recommendations from these sub-task forces served as the foundation for the consolidated report of the Task Force.
The Task Force was established as part of the Union Budget with the objective of identifying ways to increase domestic capacity to meet both domestic and global demands in the AVGC sector. It was designed to fulfill the Prime Minister's vision of providing employment opportunities for the youth and making India a leader in the AVGC-XR sector.
The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, recognized the AVGC sector as a major contributor to the growth of the media and entertainment industry in India. He emphasized that this sector has the potential to promote Indian culture to the world, strengthen connections between the Indian diaspora and India, generate direct and indirect employment, and benefit related industries such as tourism.
The full report can be found on the website of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
AVCG-XR Promotion Task Force Report 2022
Draft Model State Policy for AVGC-XR Sector
National Policy for Growth of AVGC-XR Sector in India
