Kalyan Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO, KlugKlu
“The Union Budget 2026 recognises the growing importance of the creator economy as part of India’s services-driven growth. The establishment of AVGC Content Creator Labs across 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges is a landmark step towards building structured talent pipelines and formalising the digital content ecosystem. Such initiatives can nurture early-stage creators and help India emerge as a global hub for digital storytelling and creative exports.
Additionally, tax reforms supporting IT and digital services, including automated safe harbour approvals and extended safe harbour thresholds from ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore, create a more predictable regulatory environment for digital platforms and influencer-driven businesses. These measures reflect the government’s understanding of the digital economy as both an economic and cultural growth driver. We believe structured skilling initiatives combined with supportive regulatory frameworks will accelerate monetisation opportunities and professionalisation across India’s rapidly expanding creator economy.”
Zaheer Travadi, Head of Brand Partnerships – CPG, TikTok Indonesia:
“The Union Budget 2026 signals a long-term vision for formalising and scaling India’s creator economy. The rollout of AVGC creator labs in thousands of schools and colleges is a transformative initiative that will introduce digital content creation as a mainstream career pathway. With India already witnessing rapid growth in influencer-led brand marketing, structured skilling will help creators adopt professional standards and global best practices.
The government’s focus on AI-driven technologies and safe harbour provisions for IT and digital services will also enhance transparency, compliance clarity, and platform-creator collaboration. Additionally, continued investments in digital infrastructure and services-sector reforms strengthen India’s position as a leading exporter of digital creativity and cultural content. As global brands increasingly look towards India’s creator community for regional engagement, such policy support will help creators scale sustainably while ensuring consumer trust. Overall, the budget reflects recognition of digital creators as economic contributors, and with continued regulatory clarity and skilling investments, the sector is poised for exponential growth.”
Abhinay Kumar Singh, Founder & MD, Adgcraft Communications:
“Union Budget 2026 sets an intelligence-first foundation for India’s long-term approach that places artificial intelligence, innovation, and value creation at the centre of India’s growth strategy. The ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and strengthened liquidity support will empower small enterprises to grow efficiently. The launch of AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, alongside recognition of the AVGC sector as a major employer, signals a transformative future for creative professionals. The focus on AI-powered skill development through the Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee ensures that India’s workforce is future-ready, competitive, and aligned with global standards. These visionary initiatives not only strengthen India’s startup landscape but also set up a stage for inclusive, innovation-led growth that empowers creators, entrepreneurs, and communities nationwide, supporting our vision toward Atmanirbharta and making India a global innovation hub.”
