The State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Karnataka Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) policy, 2017-22 to extend support to the sunrise industry to expand not only in Bengaluru but in other tier-II cities of the State. The capital will also get a centre of excellence for animation.
The focus of the new policy will be on giving production grants for activities such as animated feature films and visual effect projects. The policy will propel Karnataka as a “truly global leader” in AVGC. It is expected to generate 15,000 jobs.
Speaking to The Hindu after the Cabinet meeting, Minister for IT, BT and Science and Technology Priyank Kharge said the government will set up the centre of excellence for animation in Bengaluru, which will be the first of its kind in the country.
The policy will also woo overseas production houses to set up their Indian centres in the State by taking advantage of the production-linked incentives, and the skilled talent pool that is available. The policy will propel the animation and gaming industry, he said.
The policy was drafted in consultation with the industry body ABAI, and the government is keen on getting overseas AVGC firms on board so that Bengaluru and other tier-II cities will benefit from the high-end technology. ABAI is a non-profit organisation committed to developing the animation, VFX and gaming industry in India.
₹20 crore funds
It will also encourage professionals to create original intellectual property content. Nearly 20% of India’s game developers and service providers are located in Bengaluru. Karnataka is registering ₹20 crore AVGC funds to promote cutting-edge work in the sector. “The policy is specifically directed towards the AVGC sector,” Mr. Kharge said.
