Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 16: In a major push to position Maharashtra as a global hub for digital entertainment and infrastructure development, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved the Maharashtra Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) Policy 2025, with a massive outlay of Rs 3,268 crore. The policy aims to catalyze growth in the state’s creative economy through incentives, streamlined approvals, and global partnerships.

The decision follows the Chief Minister’s recent remarks at the WAVES summit, where he emphasized that the entertainment economy is emerging as a key driver of development. He highlighted two landmark projects already in progress:

• A 500-acre Film City being transformed into a next-generation global studio ecosystem
• A 120-acre Media and Entertainment City focused on animation, VFX, and gaming

“We are building the future of global storytelling here in Maharashtra,” said CM Fadnavis. “Our policies are not just visionary; they’re action-oriented and designed to attract international collaboration.”

Key Approvals by the Maharashtra Cabinet:

1. Renewable Energy Boost
The Cabinet approved the formation of a joint venture between MahaGenco and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd to set up 5,000 MW of renewable energy projects, signaling a significant move toward sustainable power generation.

2. Support for Cooperatives
As a special case, financial assistance was sanctioned for Nilkanth Cooperative Spinning Mill in Akola, with cost-sharing in the ratio of 5:45:50 (presumably between stakeholders, state, and center).

3. Welfare of Students
The Cabinet approved an increase in daily subsistence allowance and sanitation allowance for students living in backward class government hostels, with the revised amount nearly doubling the previous provisions.

4. Rural Infrastructure – Shetkari Bhavans
• A two-year extension was granted to the Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Shetkari Bhavan Yojana, involving Rs 132.48 crore for constructing 116 new buildings and renovating existing ones.
• Approval was also given for constructing 79 new Shetkari Bhavans at various locations across Maharashtra under the Department of Cooperation and Marketing.

5. Modern Orange Centres
The scheme for establishing modern orange centers has been extended by two years. Centers will be developed in Nagpur, Katol, Kalmeshwar (Nagpur district), Morshi (Amravati district), and Sangrampur (Buldhana district) to support citrus farming and agri-processing.

6. Expressway Project: Bhandara to Gadchiroli
The Cabinet gave the green light to a 94-km access-controlled expressway between Bhandara and Gadchiroli, to be executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
• Approved: Rs 931.15 crore for land acquisition and related costs
• Scope: Design, land procurement, and project implementation

7. State Infrastructure Sub-Committee Elevated
The State Infrastructure Sub-Committee has now been given cabinet committee status, enhancing its authority in strategic infrastructure planning and decision-making.

The day’s cabinet decisions reflect Maharashtra’s multidimensional development strategy—advancing technology-driven sectors like AVGC-XR while simultaneously strengthening rural infrastructure, student welfare, agriculture, and green energy initiatives.