AC approves J&K Film Policy-2024

The Administrative Council which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha yesterday approved the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024.

The policy aims to position J&K as a hub of cinematic creativity and productivity.

The approved policy would supersede the current Film Policy – the J&K Film Policy-2021.

The policy provides for time-bound administrative assistance, setting up of Single Window Cell, facilitation for granting of permission for shooting films, a package of financial assistance, promoting government and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) associated with the publicity of cinema and striving to create national competitive infrastructure for film making.

The policy provides for bodies like the Film Development Council, J&K Film Division, Script Screening Committee, Divisional Location Permission Committee, Film Development Fund and mechanisms for branding and promotion of activities using film festivals.

To ensure that a chunk of the film shooting for a film seeking subsidy from the J&K government, the criteria of a minimum of 20 days of shooting has been provided.

The criteria for claiming subsidies for films, TV serials, shows, and web series have also been notified in the policy.

The maximum subsidy in the regional languages of J&K would be Rs 1.25 crore.

A Film Development Fund would be created from fiscal year 2024-25 with the allocation of Rs 500 crore (payable in the next 5 years with an annual budgetary grant of Rs 100 crore) to be sourced from the CAPEX budget for disbursement of subsidies and incentives.

The minimum cost of production of the film would be Rs 10 crore and it must be screened on a minimum of 25 screens across the country.

For domiciles of J&K, the minimum cost of production of a film should be Rs 50 lakh and it must be screened on a minimum of three screens.

The in-eligible categories for subsidy have also been notified in the policy.

The policy would have a positive impact on the economy in terms of generating employment and growth of film tourism.

The policy would be valid for 5 years.

Advisor to the LG, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; and Principal Secretary to LG Mandeep Kumar Bhandari attended the meeting.