Govt okays new animation, gaming policy, aims to generate 20K jobs

The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Karnataka Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics Policy — 2017-22, which envisages putting in place an ecosystem to promote the state as a lucrative outsourcing destination in the sector. The policy replaces the older 2012-17 version.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said the policy aims to establish the state as a leading global animation, visual effects, gaming and comics export hub. The policy has set a target of creating at least 20,000 new jobs in the sector in the coming years besides increasing the state’s share in the game developing and animation service providing sector, Jayachandra said.

Minister for IT and BT Priyank Kharge later told reporters that the new policy aims to set up a centre for excellence in Bengaluru. The focus will be on employment generation by encouraging setting up of at least 100 animation companies during the policy period, he added.

Fodder banks­
In another decision, the state Cabinet decided to set up “fodder banks” in drought hit pockets of the state. The fodder banks will replace goshalas (cattle sheds) set up by the government.  Fodder will be provided to farmers at subsidised rates at these centres.

The Cabinet also decided to set up a sub-committee to study the revised National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) norms.

Jayachandra said the revised norms will adversely affect the state’s interest in getting central aid for drought relief. He pointed out that the state government had declared 160 taluks as drought-hit following the failure of the northeast monsoon last year. However, if the revised guidelines are considered, then only 38 taluks can be declared drought-hit. The state government will soon write to the Centre to withdraw the revised guidelines.

Jayachandra said coconut crop in 1.25 lakh hectares and arecanut crop in 29,102 hectares had been completely destroyed during the last few months due to successive drought. A detailed survey of crop loss is being conducted and a report will be submitted to the Centre seeking compensation for the farmers.