A task force on the AVGC sector set up by the Indian government, in collaboration with the industry, has recommended creation of  a kids channel, DD Kids, by public broadcaster Doordarshan, a move that’d promote children-specific indigenous animation content.

With a large children’s population and high television penetration, there is an opportunity for launch of a channel focused on content delivery for children to educate and raise their awareness on the rich culture, history and traditions of the country, the report on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comic (AVGC) sector said.

“It is therefore recommended for Government of India to create a DD Kids channel through the public broadcaster,” it said, adding that such a move is likely to encourage private broadcasters to take up the activity of developing children-only content.

With a focus on the Indian heritage and culture, the AVGC sector has the potential to have a greater impact on the society — fostering creativity at grassroots level and being a medium to communicate Indian values to the next generation. The animation, comics and gaming segments have tremendous potential to present Indian mythological content, culture, values and traditions to children and youth of India, the report said, making a strong case for kids content.

To promote creation and consumption of indigenous animation content, giving an opportunity to domestic players to compete with international players in the domestic as well as international markets, there should also be provisions for “mandating content reservation for local animation content”, the report stated.

“In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, digital and authentic resources of Indian literature may be made available. Similar approach may also be adopted in respect of historical and folklore-based narratives. Mechanisms for promotion of indigenous comics, movies and animation ecosystems may be established to build a strong pipeline of ideas for gaming,” it added.

The task force has also recommended tax related incentives for the AVGC sector, apart from launching a ‘Create in India’ initiative to push for content and IP creation in India for global consumption and setting up of a Game Development Fund.

“Government of India may commission a ‘Game Development Fund’ along with industry to promote and educate consumers/players on responsible gaming. Wherein the companies contribute 1 percent of their annual net profits to promote and educate stakeholders.

“Under international agreements, such as co- production treaties and other trade agreements, AVGC should be considered as a priority sector to gain access to focused incentives. This will also give domestic AVGC companies an opportunity to operate competitively in international markets,” the report pointed out.