Bihar: Nitish govt launches first-ever film promotion policy, grants up to Rs 4 crore

New Delhi: Bihar government has introduced its first-ever film promotion policy, aimed to offer full institutional support and financial backing to filmmakers. It was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday. The proposal was put forward by the Art, Culture, and Youth department of the state government.

Promoting Bihar’s film industry

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who also oversees the Art, Culture, and Youth department, spoke to reporters about the new policy. "The Cabinet has approved Bihar's new film promotion policy. There is big potential and numerous opportunities for filmmaking in Bihar. Through this policy, the state will attract the attention of people to the film industry and invite them to come, see, and explore the embedded treasure of Bihar," he said.

"We will develop several related infrastructure for filmmaking in the state. All facilities, which a film city needs, will be created in the state," he added.

Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary of the Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs department, provided details about the new policy. Filmmakers will receive assistance to create movies showcasing Bihar's rich cultural heritage. The policy ensures a single-window clearance for all government permissions and adequate security arrangements.

What benefits can be availed?

The policy includes financial grants of up to Rs 4 crore for producing films, documentaries, and serials in regional languages and others. "Films made in Bihar's regional languages will be given a maximum grant of 50 percent of the total cost. Those made in Hindi, English, and other languages will be given a grant amounting to 25 percent of the total cost. Films shot in Bihar for more than 75 percent of the total shooting days will get an additional grant of Rs 50 lakh," she explained.

An empowered committee and a film facilitation center will be set up to streamline the various processes involved in filmmaking. "The film promotion policy will also create employment opportunities for the people of the state and will improve tourism. While the Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs department will be the nodal department for all filmmaking activities, the Film Development and Finance Corporation Limited (BSFDFC) will work as a nodal agency," Bamhrah said.

The department will also organize a Bihar Film Festival every year to celebrate and promote the state’s cultural heritage. Artists, producers, and directors from Bihar who have been awarded at the national or international level will be rewarded.

Additional approvals

In addition to the film policy, the Cabinet also approved several other proposals. A proposal of Rs 1,347 crore was approved to supply surface water from the Sone river for drinking purposes in Aurangabad, Dehri, and Sasaram cities after treatment. The government also okayed the Chief Minister Samagra Sahri Vikas Yojna for the overall growth of urban areas in the state.