The Maharashtra government has launched a new initiative to promote the creative technology sector, with the goal of transforming the state into a global hub for digital entertainment. The Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) Policy 2025, approved by the state cabinet, includes a financial outlay of ₹3,268 crore. This policy aims to attract ₹50,000 crore in investments and generate approximately two lakh new jobs in high-tech fields like animation, visual effects, gaming, immersive media, and metaverse applications.

Key Components of the Policy

• Infrastructure Development: The policy focuses on establishing state-of-the-art AVGC-XR parks and infrastructure across Maharashtra, including in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Satara, and Nagpur. These parks will feature advanced facilities such as motion capture studios, post-production labs, virtual production facilities, sound recording units, and high-performance rendering farms.
• Incentives and Support: The government is offering a range of incentives to attract domestic and international investment. These include relaxation in stamp duty, uninterrupted 24/7 operations for AVGC-XR firms, and essential service status for the industry. Single-window clearances will be facilitated through the MAHITI and MAITRI portals.
• Financial Assistance: A ₹200 crore WAVES Participation Fund and a ₹300 crore startup support fund have been earmarked to encourage local entrepreneurs and boost innovation. The state will invest ₹308 crore in the initial phase (2025-2030), followed by ₹2,960 crore until 2050, with an additional ₹100 crore allocated for the next financial year to expedite implementation.
• Skill Development: To ensure a steady supply of skilled manpower, the government will form a dedicated Maharashtra AVGC-XR Skill Advisory Committee, comprising industry leaders, academic experts, and trade representatives.
• Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT): The government will establish the IICT in Mumbai as a central body for research, training, and innovation in the AVGC-XR sector. The IICT will emphasize advanced creative technologies, including VFX, animation, digital content, Web 3.0, AI-driven storytelling, and media innovations. The central government will allocate ₹400 crore for this institute.

Strategic Initiatives

The Maharashtra government is undertaking key projects to boost the AVGC-XR sector:

• Film City Revamp: A 500-acre Film City is being transformed into a next-generation global studio ecosystem to provide world-class infrastructure for filmmakers, animators, and digital content creators.
• Media and Entertainment City: A 120-acre Media and Entertainment City will specialize in animation, VFX, and gaming, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated space for digital storytelling and content innovation.

Expected Outcomes

The AVGC-XR Policy 2025 is expected to have several positive outcomes:

• Economic Growth: The policy is projected to attract substantial investments and contribute to Maharashtra's goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
• Employment Generation: The initiative is expected to create approximately two lakh new employment opportunities in high-technology fields.
• Global Recognition: The policy aims to position Maharashtra as a global destination for creative industries and a hub for digital entertainment.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The policy will foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property creation in the AVGC-XR sector.

By implementing this comprehensive policy, the Maharashtra government aims to leverage the immense opportunities in the AVGC-XR sector, drive economic growth, and establish the state as a leader in the global creative technology landscape.