Karnataka State government will be the first state in the country to announce a policy for the growing Animation and Gaming industry. The Department of IT, BT and S&T, of the Karnataka State Government currently is in the process of collecting inputs from the Animation Industry and in particular from the Association of Bangalore Animation Industries (ABAI) for the same. Based on the inputs, a Policy is being worked out and would be submitted to the Government for clearance. The Government is working towards announcing the Policy during the State‘s flagship event, Bangalore IT.biz 2011 scheduled from 18th to 20th, October 2011
Talking to AnimationXpress.com M. N. Vidyashankar, Principal Secretary, e-Governance Department & Principal Secretary (I/c.), IT, BT and S&T Dept. said, “The State Government realizes the growing importance of Animation and Gaming all over. The Indian Animation Industry is growing at a CAGR of about 22% compared to the global Animation market growing at 10%. Bangalore is the Tech-Capital and is the largest hub for Animation and Gaming. It is necessary to further promote the Tech-based industry. A separate Policy for the Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects Industry is under consideration of the Karnataka State Government”.
The Policy would generally aim at promoting the growth and development of the Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects industry. Capacity building would be the focus as the industry depends to a large extent on artistic talent. Besides, certain fiscal incentives and concessions would be offered in the upcoming policy.
“Karnataka has a rich and diverse heritage of art and culture. The State has talented artists but not well equipped with technology. The Animation industry requires technologically trained artists in order to meet the growing animation market. A Policy focusing on capacity building is the need of the hour”, M. N. Vidyashankar added.
State Government organizes flagship event on ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) every year. 14th edition of the event- Bangalore IT.biz – is scheduled from 18th to 20th October 2011. This is the only event of the country which evinces a lot of interest from the global and domestic ICT industry. The event has been instrumental to a large extent in showcasing the ICT strengths and opportunities of the State.
Currently, the Department of IT, BT and S & T, is in constant interaction with the Animation industry and is sharing inputs. The draft policy is in the final stages.