Indian budget’s 'Orange Economy' sets social media abuzz
India’s media and entertainment sector has emerged as a major pillar of the services economy.
One issue that has set India's social media abuzz is the FY2026-27 budget's aim to boost the country's "Orange Economy", officially estimated at around Rs 2.5 trillion.
The "Orange Economy" refers to that part of the economy that is driven by creativity, culture and intellectual property, where value comes mainly from ideas, knowledge, artistic expression, and cultural content rather than physical goods.
It spans sectors like gaming, film, music, design, animation, and digital content, aiming to foster job creation, urban development and cultural value. The growth is driven by rising incomes, internet penetration, OTT expansion, and AI-led innovation.
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India's media and entertainment sector has emerged as a major pillar of the services economy, covering audio-visual production, broadcasting, digital content, animation, gaming, advertising, and live entertainment.
Over the past decade, the sector has shifted decisively towards digital and platform-based delivery, transforming revenue models, employment and value chains.
The budget presented in parliament on 1 February has proposed setting up creator labs in 15,000 high schools and 500 colleges and aims to boost sectors like audio-visual media, gaming, animation, and digital storytelling.
The move aims at creating two million new jobs, empowering youth and opening new avenues in the creative and digital economy.
Another key budget proposal is the support for the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai, India's entertainment capital.
Highlighting the rapid growth of India's animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the creator labs are expected to unlock new creative career opportunities for youth.
