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FM Sitharaman's 'Orange Economy' Push: AVGC Labs in 15,000 Schools

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed a major push for India's creative 'Orange Economy' in the Union Budget 2026-27. The plan includes establishing AVGC Content Creator Labs in thousands of secondary schools and colleges to develop a future-ready workforce. This initiative targets the rapidly growing Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics sector, which is projected to need 2 million professionals by 2030. Additionally, a new National Institute of Design is proposed to address the shortage of trained designers and boost design education in eastern India.

Key Points: Budget 2026: Sitharaman Proposes AVGC Labs in Schools for Orange Economy

  • Boost for creative 'Orange Economy'
  • AVGC labs in 15,000 schools & 500 colleges
  • Aims to create 2 million professionals by 2030
  • New National Institute of Design for eastern region
2 min read

'Orange Economy': FM Sitharaman proposes content creator labs in schools, colleges

FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges to boost India's creative 'Orange Economy' and jobs.

"I propose to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai, in setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs - Nirmala Sitharaman"

New Delhi, February 1

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed a strong support for India's creative industries or 'orange economy' to create future-ready creative jobs.

Sitharaman said that India's Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector is a rapidly growing industry and is projected to require 2 million professionals by 2030.

"I propose to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai, in setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges, Sitharaman said while presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27.

This move is expected to boost India's next-generation creator workforce, powering jobs, startups, etc.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 too had noted that creativity-led sectors including culture, media, entertainment and intellectual property can emerge as significant drivers of employment, urban services and tourism.

Termed the "Orange Economy", these activities derive value primarily from ideas, artistic expression and cultural capital..

India's Economic Survey 2025-26 identified the concert economy's potential to boost urban services, tourism, and employment, while also noting existing bottlenecks like venue shortages and regulatory hurdles that need addressing for India to scale up this sector.

Meanwhile, Sitharaman further in her Budget speech said that Indian Design industry is expanding rapidly and proposed establishment of a new National Institute of Design to boost design education and development in the eastern region of India.

She noted that while India's design industry is expanding rapidly, the country continues to face a shortage of trained designers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Good step, but execution is key. We've seen many such proposals fail due to poor infrastructure and untrained teachers in government schools. Hope they have a solid plan for teacher training and equipment maintenance. The intent is right, though.
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Rohit P
Finally recognizing the AVGC sector! India has so much untapped talent in gaming and animation. With proper training, we can compete globally. The 2 million jobs figure is exciting for our youth. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As someone working in the design industry, the shortage of trained professionals is very real. A new National Institute of Design in the East is much needed to decentralize opportunities from just Mumbai and Bangalore.
K
Karthik V
'Orange Economy' – interesting term. It's true that our cultural stories, art, and ideas are a huge economic asset. From YouTube creators to game developers, this can put India on the map as a creative hub. Hope it reaches smaller towns too.
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Nisha Z
My only concern is whether this will add more pressure on students. The curriculum is already heavy. These labs should be optional and fun, not another subject with exams. Let creativity flourish without marksheets!

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