Maharashtra Govt Unveils ₹3,268-Crore Policy to Boost AVGC-XR Sector
In a major push to the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) industry, the Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved a comprehensive policy with a financial plan of ₹3,268 crore stretching till 2050. The move aims to position the state as a global hub for the fast-growing sector, which is expected to attract investments worth ₹50,000 crore and generate over 2 lakh high-tech jobs in the next 25 years.
Under the new policy, the AVGC-XR sector has been granted industry and infrastructure status, enabling studios and companies to enjoy several incentives. These include relaxation in stamp duty, reduced power tariffs, and the flexibility to operate 24x7 without restrictions. Notably, AVGC-XR studios will be permitted to set up operations in any zone, including residential, no-development, and green zones. The policy also classifies the sector as an essential service, ensuring a time-bound single-window clearance mechanism for project approvals.
State-of-the-Art Parks Across Maharashtra
The government has announced plans to develop AVGC-XR parks in Mumbai Film City, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Satara, and Nagpur. These facilities will feature advanced infrastructure such as high-speed digital connectivity, motion capture studios, post-production labs, high-performance rendering farms, sound recording units, and virtual production studios.
To support these initiatives, the state will establish a critical infrastructure fund to enhance road connectivity, dedicated power supply, water resources, sewage treatment, effluent treatment, and last-mile connectivity. Additionally, incentives currently available to private IT parks under the state's IT and ITes policy will also be extended to AVGC-XR parks.
Maharashtra Already a Leader in AVGC-XR
With nearly 30% of India's animation studios already based in Maharashtra, the state is building on its existing strengths. Currently, it houses over 295 studios and around 20 educational institutions focused on AVGC-XR in Mumbai and Pune. The new policy aims to accelerate the sector's growth from its current size of ₹250 billion to ₹650 billion within five years, reflecting an annual growth rate of 25%.
Focus on Education and Skill Development
The policy also emphasizes education and skill training. AVGC-XR subjects will be incorporated into the school curriculum to prepare students for future opportunities in the industry. A skill advisory committee comprising industry experts, academic institutions, and government officials will be formed to design specialized training modules and ensure alignment with industry needs.
Transforming Maharashtra into a Global AVGC-XR Hub
By offering robust infrastructure, industry-friendly regulations, and long-term incentives, the Maharashtra government is aiming to make the state a leading destination for AVGC-XR innovation and investment. Officials believe the sector's growth will not only strengthen the state's digital economy but also create large-scale employment opportunities across both metro and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
