A Parliamentary Committee has called for expediting the implementation of the project for setting up the National Centre of Excellence for providing trained manpower in the animation, gaming and visual effects sector considering the significance of this techno advanced skill.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee for Information Technology which examines issues relating to Information and Broadcasting noted that Rs 2.6 millions had been spent out of Rs 3 millions made available in Revised Estimates 2015-16 for setting up the Centre.
Though an outlay of Rs 0.57 billions has been given under the 12th Plan for this special project, the Committee was informed that there has been a delay in implementation of this Project and consequent underutilisation of funds due to the requirement for consultation with different stakeholders and the need for reviewing the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Calling for optimally utilising the enhanced budget allocation, the Committee which has members of both houses noted that the Budget Estimates 2016-17 showed an allocation of Rs 50.9 millions for this special project.
It also noted that Centre is to be operated under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, which is part of the Budget announcement during 2014-15. The DPR has been prepared by the Media and Entertainment Skills Council and ‘in-principle’ approval of NITI Aayog has been obtained.
With regard to the PPP Model operating under the scheme, the Ministry said the proposed project envisages creation of necessary infrastructure, meeting the pre-operation expenditure as well as meeting certain operational expenditure by the Government.
However, the responsibility of the private operator is to meet the operational expenditure and the expenditure towards upkeep and maintenance of the infrastructure.
PPP model has helped in funding for creation of infrastructure and it is proposed that this Centre will provide world class education in the field of animation, gaming and visual effects at affordable costs.
The Committee noted that the setting up of the National Centre will lay the foundation of providing career opportunities to young students having interest in learning animation, gaming and visual effects. Maturing of this sector has potential in providing high-end entertainment business opportunities in the country.
(It is learnt that the Maharashtra government has offered land for this Centre in the Film City at Goregaon, although the final decision has not been conveyed finally.)