India’s Union Budget 2026 Fuels Growth in Orange Economy

The Union Budget 2026 has placed a significant emphasis on India’s fast-growing creative sector, known as the Orange Economy, by focusing on the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) industries. The government is set to support this growth by proposing the establishment of AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country. This initiative aims to provide young talent with early exposure, practical training, and industry-aligned skills, preparing them for a sector projected to create around two million jobs by 2030.

In a groundbreaking move, the government has partnered with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai to facilitate the development of these labs. This initiative is not just about skill acquisition; it represents a paradigm shift in how creativity is perceived in India, transitioning from a niche option to a serious career path. Alongside this effort, the launch of the National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid aims to digitally archive the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, thus supporting local content creators and researchers.

Influencers and content creators have welcomed these developments, viewing them as a long-overdue acknowledgment of creativity as a legitimate profession. Shashank Garg, co-founder of Udte Kabootar, expressed optimism about the government’s focus, stating, “Integrating AVGC Labs into schools democratizes technical skills at the grassroots level and provides much-needed institutional legitimacy to the craft.” He emphasized that these initiatives effectively bridge the gap between raw talent and professional excellence, transforming content creation into a structured, high-growth career path.

Abhinav Singh Kaurav, a singer, songwriter, and content creator, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of the AVGC initiative. “By setting up labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, the government is democratizing access to advanced tools and nurturing talent at the grassroots level,” he noted. Kaurav also pointed out that strong industry linkages will be crucial for providing young creators with real career opportunities.

Creating a Supportive Ecosystem for Creatives

Ankit Parmar, a content creator and IT professional, emphasized the timeliness of these initiatives. With India already ranking among the world’s largest content markets, boasting over 1.4 billion people engaged in digital content daily, structured training and guidance are essential for nurturing talent. “China’s success in gaming and digital media stems from early skill development, which India is now beginning to address,” Parmar stated.

The focus on AVGC labs in educational institutions is expected to provide young creators with vital exposure and practical skills necessary for thriving in the competitive landscape. As a recent entrant in the creative field, Parmar highlighted the importance of guidance, stating, “Building strong Indian content platforms should be the next priority to ensure independent and sustainable growth.”

The initiatives outlined in the Union Budget 2026 not only aim to bolster India’s creative economy but also create a new employment ecosystem for local content creators, researchers, and storytellers. By integrating creativity, culture, and technology into the country’s development narrative, the government is taking significant steps toward establishing India as a leading global creative hub.