Aiming to re-position Jammu and Kashmir as a cinematic hub, the Administrative Council which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has approved the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024.

The policy aims to position J and K as a hub of cinematic creativity and productivity. The approved policy will supersede the current Film Policy i e 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, package of financial assistance, promoting government/non-government organisations associated with publicity of cinema and striving to create nationally competitive infrastructure for film making.

The policy provides for bodies including Film Development Council, J&K Film Division, Script Screening Committee and Divisional Location Permission Committee, film development fund and mechanism for branding and promotion of activities by means of film festivals.

To ensure that a chunk of the film shooting for a film seeking subsidy from the UT Government, the criteria of a minimum of 20 days of shooting has been provided. The criteria for claiming subsidy for Films/ TV Serials/ Shows/Web Series has also been notified in the policy.

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

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

The minimum cost of production of the film shall be Rs10 crore and it must be screened on minimum 25 screens across the country. For domiciles of J and K, the minimum cost of production of a film shall be Rs 50 lakh and it must be screened on minimum three screens. The in-eligible categories for subsidy have also been notified in the policy. The policy will have a positive impact on the economy in terms of generating employment and growth of film tourism. The policy will be valid for 5 years.

The Administrative Council yesterday also accorded approval for change of administrative department of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society (MMJHS), Jammu, from Tourism Department to Culture Department.

Since maintenance of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex aligns with the role and responsibility of the Culture Department, the proposal was mooted by the Tourism Department for change of Administrative Department of the society from Tourism to Culture Department.

By placing MMJHS under the Culture Department, its projects will become part of the Culture Department’s regular budget, making heritage preservation more organised and effective and will also address funding concerns and impart efficiency in control of the affairs of the complex.