Bihar govt unveils first film promotion policy

In a bid to provide institutional support to filmmakers, the Bihar government on July 19 introduced the first ever film promotion policy in the state. The policy will provide a single window for approval of all government clearances and also ensure adequate safety and security measures for filmmakers. The policy also offers financial incentives for regional films made in languages ​​like Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika and Bajjika.

“The government today approved a new film promotion policy for Bihar. There is considerable potential and ample scope for film production in Bihar. The proposal came from the department of art, culture and youth affairs,” said Additional Chief Secretary (Government Secretariat) S. Siddharth. The policy includes financial subsidy up to ₹4 crore for production of films, documentaries and serials in regional languages. The policy also offers financial incentives for regional films in Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Angika and Bajjika languages.

Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harjot Kaur Bamhrah said that under the new film promotion policy, “filmmakers will be helped to make films that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. The scenic locations and adequate infrastructure of Bihar will be attractions for filmmakers.”

Ms. Bamhrah also added to “establish an empowered committee and a film facilitation center to streamline processes for the fraternity.”

Bihar’s first film promotion policy also provides a single window for approval of “all government permissions, safety and security arrangements”.

“With this film promotion policy, the biggest benefit to the state is that a lot of employment will be created there as filmmakers will come here, films will be shot here and local artists will get an opportunity to work in films,” said Patna-based film critic Vinod Anupam.