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Maharashtra cabinet gives a go-ahead to Animation Policy 2025 and other key projects

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 8:05 GMT by Mid Day
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Maharashtra Cabinet Gives Green Light to Animation Policy 2025 and Several Other Flag‑Ship Projects

On a late‑morning session in Nagpur, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a comprehensive “Animation Policy 2025” alongside a slate of other major developmental initiatives. The decision, announced on 15 March 2023, is widely seen as a pivotal step toward positioning the state as a leading hub for creative content production and technology-driven industries. The policy is intended to accelerate the growth of animation, visual effects (VFX), and game development, while the accompanying projects cover sectors ranging from smart cities to tourism and industrial development.

The Animation Policy 2025 – A Strategic Blueprint for Creative Industries

Key Provisions

The policy, which will be rolled out in phases from the fiscal year 2024–25, is a multi‑faceted framework designed to provide a nurturing ecosystem for creators, studios, and ancillary service providers. Among its most noteworthy features are:

The policy is expected to attract foreign investment and create an estimated 30,000 direct jobs by 2027, with an additional multiplier effect on the wider economy.

Government Rationale

Minister of State for Information Technology and Digital Services, Dr. Sunil Gupta, emphasized that “animation is a knowledge‑intensive sector with the potential to generate significant export revenue. By creating a conducive environment, we aim to turn Maharashtra into a ‘Creative Hub’ that competes with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.”

The Cabinet also highlighted the policy’s alignment with the “Make in India” initiative, noting that many global studios are already exploring Indian talent for outsourcing animation work. “This policy is not just about subsidies; it’s about building a robust, end‑to‑end ecosystem that can support high‑quality content creation from ideation to distribution,” Dr. Gupta added.

Parallel Projects Cleared by the Cabinet

While the animation policy stole the limelight, the cabinet session also green‑lit several other high‑impact projects, each aimed at boosting Maharashtra’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness.

1. Nagarjuna Super‑City Development Plan

A proposal to develop a new smart city in the outskirts of Nagpur has received approval. The plan includes:

• A 2,500‑acre mixed‑use development with residential, commercial, and recreational zones.
• Integration of Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) infrastructure for smart traffic, waste management, and citizen services.
• Estimated investment of ₹12,000 crore, with 20% earmarked for green building standards.

The city is expected to accommodate 500,000 residents by 2035, providing a critical urban expansion outside Mumbai’s congestion.

2. Maharashtra Solar Power Corridor

The cabinet endorsed the construction of a solar farm corridor along the Konkan coast, featuring:

• 1,200 MW of solar capacity, connecting 15 solar plants across Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts.
• Development of a 400‑km high‑voltage transmission line to feed the grid.
• An estimated cost of ₹9,000 crore, with 40% financed through sovereign bonds.

This project aligns with the state’s renewable energy targets and promises to create 8,000 jobs during construction and 500 permanent positions thereafter.

3. Integrated Tourism Development Project (ITDP) – Kolhapur Region

An integrated tourism corridor is slated for Kolhapur, focusing on:

• Restoration of heritage sites and promotion of cultural festivals.
• Development of heritage hotels and eco‑lodges.
• A ₹1,500 crore investment over five years, with a projected boost of ₹3,500 crore to the regional economy.

The project seeks to leverage Kolhapur’s rich historical and artistic heritage, positioning it as a major tourist destination in western Maharashtra.

4. Industrial Development Zone – Jintur

The state’s first Dedicated Economic Zone (DEZ) in Jintur is set to provide:

• A 300‑acre industrial park with 120 plot sizes ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet.
• Priority access to 100‑MHz fiber, 500 MW power, and a dedicated water supply.
• A projected investment of ₹5,000 crore, aimed at attracting high‑tech manufacturing firms.

The zone’s design includes a “one‑stop” facilitation center to simplify licensing and compliance procedures.

Stakeholder Reactions and Future Outlook

The cabinet’s decisions have generated a mix of enthusiasm and cautious optimism among industry stakeholders.

Industry Bodies: The Indian Animation and Visual Effects Association (IVCEA) issued a statement saying that “the policy’s tax rebates and skill development measures will provide the necessary boost for creators to compete globally.” Similarly, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) welcomed the solar corridor and tourism initiatives as steps toward sustainable growth.

Academic Commentators: Dr. Ramesh Rao, a professor of Media Studies at the University of Pune, noted that “animation is not just an art; it’s a high‑value technology that can create jobs and drive exports.” He added that “the policy’s emphasis on infrastructure and skill development is well‑aligned with global trends.”

Public Response: The public response on social media has been largely positive. A trending tweet from a popular Mumbai-based YouTuber highlighted the policy as “the missing link for our creators to take the world by storm.” Some critics, however, raised concerns about the long‑term sustainability of subsidies and the need for stringent monitoring mechanisms.

Government Commitments: The cabinet’s finance committee has pledged to monitor the policy’s implementation through a dedicated task force. “We will set up quarterly review meetings with industry stakeholders to ensure the policy’s objectives are met without excessive bureaucratic overhead,” said Finance Minister A. Shinde.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra Cabinet’s approval of the Animation Policy 2025 and other key projects marks a decisive move toward modernizing the state’s economic landscape. By fostering a supportive environment for creative content, renewable energy, smart city development, and industrial expansion, the state aims to create a diversified portfolio of growth engines. While the policy’s success will hinge on effective execution, transparent monitoring, and continued engagement with stakeholders, the groundwork laid by the cabinet today offers a promising roadmap for Maharashtra’s future as an economic and cultural powerhouse.