Karnataka to lead India's animation and gaming sector; policy soon: Priyank Kharge

IT minister Priyank Kharge held a conference that served as a platform for discussions and collaborations among professionals, enthusiasts, and policy-makers to chart the course for the future of the gaming industry in Karnataka and India as a whole.

Karnataka's Information Technology and Bio-Technology (IT-BT) minister Priyank Kharge on September 30 said that the state will soon unveil a gaming policy.

Kharge expressed confidence that Karnataka will emerge as a frontrunner in India's animation and gaming sector, emphasizing the forthcoming policy's role in fostering a conducive environment for industry growth.

Kharge said that he recently conducted a video conference with gaming community representatives and industry leaders to discuss matters such as skill development, gaming policies, gaming accelerator programs, and the prospect of hosting a gaming summit in Bengaluru.

Recently , held a video conference with the gaming community and industry leaders for:
- Skill development
- Gaming Policy
- Gaming accelerator
- Gaming Summit in Bengaluru

Karnataka will be leading the way in animation & gaming sector for India. We will be soon having a… pic.twitter.com/JHN5ig5w38

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— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) September 30, 2023

Meanwhile, Karnataka government on September 29 promulgated an ordinance amending the Karnataka Goods and Services Tax Act to impose a 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online money gaming, casinos, and racecourses, following Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's assent. This move comes ahead of the Union government's planned implementation of the new tax regime starting from October 1.

Also, read: Karnataka notifies ordinance for 28% GST on real-money gaming

Karnataka, home to major skill-gaming companies like Gameskraft and Mobile Premier League, displayed divided opinions regarding the GST Council's recent decision to levy a 28 percent tax on the online real-money gaming sector. While Karnataka's Revenue Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, representing the Congress-led state in the GST Council, did not oppose this decision, Kharge criticised the council's move.

Also, read: Karnataka govt divided over 28% GST on real-money gaming

Kharge also had a discussion with Thierry Berthelot,Consulate General of France in Bengaluru. "This  to strengthen our Global Innovation Alliance by collaborating across sectors in emerging technologies, including space tech, aerospace, life sciences, and gaming-animation" he said. 

Had a great discussion with Mr. Thierry Berthelot, CG of France to strengthen our Global Innovation Alliance by collaborating across sectors in emerging technologies including space tech, aerospace, life sciences & gaming-animation.@BangaloreFrance pic.twitter.com/4oodPciHuw

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) September 30, 2023

Kharge recently conducted a discussion with representatives of Meesho, an online reselling platform. He expressed interest in collaborating with Meesho to create skill development opportunities and inspire entrepreneurial aspirations in tier 2 cities.

I had a great discussion with @Meesho_Official regarding creating skill development opportunities and igniting entrepreneurial aspirations in tier 2 cities. Looking forward to the potential collaboration ahead. pic.twitter.com/8LBFbRUEiC

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) September 29, 2023

Participating in another startup programme for deep tech, Kharge said, "Karnataka will drive India's high-tech innovation in engineering through skills development, incubators, and access to funding."

Kharge also met Dr Anurag Mairal, Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Director of Global Outreach Programs at Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign, Stanford University. They discussed potential collaborations in healthcare innovations with the Karnataka government, which has plans for a Center of Excellence in Life Sciences and Medical Devices.

I had a productive discussion with Mr. @mairal from Stanford Biodesign about potential collaboration in healthcare innovations with the Government of Karnataka.

The government has already planned for a Center of Excellence in Lifesciences and medical devices, aimed at… pic.twitter.com/ITuKl2NC9P

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) September 24, 2023

"The center aims to encourage leadership and incubate innovations in this field, positioning Karnataka as a hub for groundbreaking healthcare sector innovations" he said.

Meanwhile, Kharge also held discussions with aerospace industry representatives to restructure and revitalize the present Center of Excellence in Aerospace, aimed at nurturing skills, leadership, and innovations.

The Aerospace and Defence (A&D) market in India is estimated to reach around $70 billion by 2030 and it is imperative for Karnataka to take the leader position in the sector.

I held discussions with aerospace industry representatives to restructure and revitalize the present… pic.twitter.com/4kdMut7Kd7

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) September 30, 2023

"The Aerospace and Defence (A&D) market in India is estimated to reach around $70 billion by 2030, and it is imperative for Karnataka to take a leadership position in the sector," said Kharge.