JKFDC to implement Film Policy in J&K; to create vibrant ecosystem

Jammu, Mar 15: The government will constitute Jammu & Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) to realize objectives of its ambitious J&K Film Policy-2024, which was approved by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led Administrative Council on March 14.

The policy, which will supersede J&K Film Policy-2021, has been framed with avowed objectives to attract greater investment in the film sector and make Jammu and Kashmir- a choicest destination for film shooting of both national and international producers. Policy confers “industry” status on the film sector in J&K.

To generate job opportunities for local people of Jammu & Kashmir; attract capital investment in the UT through the film industry; promote the scenic beauty, cultural heritage of J&K by disseminating information about its history, heritage, art, culture, traditions etc., are other major targets to be achieved through this policy.

JKFDC will be constituted under the chairpersonship of the senior most Administrative Secretary (to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir) out of the Secretaries on its (JKFDC’s) panel.

Administrative Secretary, Finance department; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Administrative Secretaries of Culture; Industries & Commerce; Tourism; Information and Law departments and Divisional Commissioner of the Division will be its members.

Director Information J&K will be its member secretary while three subject matter experts will be members, nominated by the Chairman from amongst the film experts or professionals, besides any other member, co-opted by the chairman as its co-opted member.  JKFDC will be an apex body which will make and issue detailed guidelines, rules and enter into such agreements as are essential for implementation of the Policy.

As per the policy, all matters of interpretation under it (policy) will be decided by the JKFDC whose decision will be final and binding.

As far as interventions to be made by JKFDC are concerned, it will create an ecosystem for making Jammu & Kashmir a preferred destination for film making or shooting; build a well-strategized and focused branding of Union Territory in the films and in the narratives surrounding those films besides facilitating the overall growth of the its (J&K’s) film Industry.

It has been tasked to take measures to promote film tourism in J&K through financial intervention; create and develop ancillary business opportunities that co-exist with film making and support it and visualize the film industry from a value chain perspective and factor market dynamics that need to be addressed to be added to develop this sector.

Besides, J&K Film Division (JKFD) will be constituted under the chairpersonship of Director Information, J&K for assisting in smooth implementation of the Film Policy.

It will consider and approve or reject applications for grant of subsidy received and processed by the Single Window Cell besides monitoring all expenditure being incurred by the Single Window Cell and approving the annual budget.

It has also been tasked to produce and run short educational films with J&K Theme.

The policy also provides for the constitution of a dedicated JK Single Window Cell under the chairpersonship of Joint Director Information (HQ).

It will be the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for supporting the development of a vibrant film ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir and exclusively oversee the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Film Policy.

To be serviced by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, J&K, it will process applications received on J&K Single Window System as per the Policy. It will liaise with various departments and authorities of the Union Territory and Government of India for timely permissions.

Policy provides that this Cell will dispose of the applications received on the J&K Single Window System preferably within thirty days of filing of complete application.