SRINAGAR: The Administrative Council (AC) convened under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and approved the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024 on Friday.
The policy aims to establish JK as a centre of cinematic innovation and productivity, superseding the current Film Policy-2021.
A DIPR statement said that the policy introduces time-bound administrative assistance, the establishment of a Single Window Cell, facilitation for film shooting permissions, a financial assistance package, and the promotion of Government, Non-Government Organisations involved in cinema publicity. Additionally, efforts will be made to create nationally competitive film-making infrastructure.
Key bodies outlined in the policy include the Film Development Council, JK Film Division, Script Screening Committee, Divisional Location Permission Committee, Film Development Fund, and mechanisms for branding and promoting activities through film festivals.
To be eligible for subsidy from the UT Government, a film must have a minimum of 20 days of shooting. Criteria for claiming subsidies for Films/TV Serials/Shows/Web Series are also detailed in the policy.
The maximum subsidy for films in regional languages of JK will be Rs 1.25 crores.
“A Film Development Fund, starting from the fiscal year 2024-25, will have an allocation of Rs 500 crores (to be disbursed over the next 5 years with an annual budgetary grant of Rs 100 crores), sourced from the CAPEX budget for subsidy/incentive disbursement. The minimum production cost for a film will be Rs 10 crores, with a requirement to be screened on at least 25 screens across the country. For domiciles of JK, the minimum production cost will be Rs 50 lacs, with a requirement to be screened on at least 3 screens. Additionally, ineligible categories for subsidies are outlined in the policy,” the statement reads.
The policy is expected to have a positive impact on the economy by generating employment and fostering growth in film tourism. It will remain valid for 5 years.
In attendance at the meeting were Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; and Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor.
