Yojana Magazine September 2022 - 2 | Monthly Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazine (English) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


18 YOJANA   September 2022
Tryst with Cinematic Paradise
Nitishwar Kumar
The author is an IAS and is presently the Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Film Development Council & Principal Secretary to Lieutenant 
Governor, J&K. Email: ps.rb-jk@nic.in
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had a unique and memorable tryst with films and 
filmmaking. Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Himalay Ki God Mein, Janwar 
stand testimony to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people of J&K. The Government 
of J&K has now formulated the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021’ that offers the best  
in-country tangible and intangible incentives for film shooting, financial and other incentives, 
and support for creating and upgrading world-class infrastructure.
J&K Film Policy 2021
SPECIAL ARTICLE
18 YOJANA   September 2022
Page 2


18 YOJANA   September 2022
Tryst with Cinematic Paradise
Nitishwar Kumar
The author is an IAS and is presently the Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Film Development Council & Principal Secretary to Lieutenant 
Governor, J&K. Email: ps.rb-jk@nic.in
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had a unique and memorable tryst with films and 
filmmaking. Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Himalay Ki God Mein, Janwar 
stand testimony to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people of J&K. The Government 
of J&K has now formulated the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021’ that offers the best  
in-country tangible and intangible incentives for film shooting, financial and other incentives, 
and support for creating and upgrading world-class infrastructure.
J&K Film Policy 2021
SPECIAL ARTICLE
18 YOJANA   September 2022 YOJANA   September 2022 19
T
umse acha kaun hai, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, 
Noorie…, Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal 
aata hai, Chali re chali re… Jiya re jiya re, 
Zindagi kuch to bata…Kitni khoobsoorat yeh 
tasveer hai; All these songs have one thing in common— 
all were shot in the beautiful landscape of “Gar Firdaus 
bar-rue zamin ast…’.
Remarkably, the above list has now started adding 
new hits as the Government of J&K has taken up 
‘Film Sector’ as a priority industry and has unveiled in 
August of 2021, the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 
2021’ – a comprehensive policy to address several 
objectives to make Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) the most  
sought-after filmmaking destination in India and a 
mainstream livelihood creation sector where artistic 
vibrancy shines through, tourism avenues expand and 
investment channels open into the UT. 
The Policy was launched after extensive stakeholder 
consultations led at the apex level by the Hon’ble 
Lieutenant Governor and with special inputs received 
from the nuanced film fraternity and their ecosystem in 
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Madras, and Kolkata. This was 
coupled with an exhaustive study of film policies across 
the Indian States and globally so that current and relevant 
best practices from the industry today could be mapped 
and a unique formulation of policy vision, objectives, 
roadmaps, and incentives are chalked out for J&K’s Film 
Policy. With this Policy, J&K is now witnessing a surge 
in big-budget movies with veteran actors, directors, and 
stalwarts in the movie production and music industry as 
front-runners in shooting in the Union Territory. The 
industry is appreciating the support offered via the Policy 
and the Single Window Cell. 
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had 
a unique and memorable tryst with films and filmmaking. 
The film industry has always desired to capture the pristine 
landscapes of snow-clad mountains, breath-taking valleys, 
and picturesque springs and imbibe the rich heritage, 
vibrant cuisines, beautiful traditions, and soulful folk 
music of the land. The locals in turn have always been 
great hosts and keen embracers of the needs of the industry. 
Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, 
Himalaya Ki God Mein, Janwar etc., stand testimony 
to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people 
of J&K. The story of this tryst is however quite filmy in 
itself. Like a movie interval, this rendezvous of films in 
YOJANA   September 2022 19
Page 3


18 YOJANA   September 2022
Tryst with Cinematic Paradise
Nitishwar Kumar
The author is an IAS and is presently the Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Film Development Council & Principal Secretary to Lieutenant 
Governor, J&K. Email: ps.rb-jk@nic.in
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had a unique and memorable tryst with films and 
filmmaking. Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Himalay Ki God Mein, Janwar 
stand testimony to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people of J&K. The Government 
of J&K has now formulated the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021’ that offers the best  
in-country tangible and intangible incentives for film shooting, financial and other incentives, 
and support for creating and upgrading world-class infrastructure.
J&K Film Policy 2021
SPECIAL ARTICLE
18 YOJANA   September 2022 YOJANA   September 2022 19
T
umse acha kaun hai, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, 
Noorie…, Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal 
aata hai, Chali re chali re… Jiya re jiya re, 
Zindagi kuch to bata…Kitni khoobsoorat yeh 
tasveer hai; All these songs have one thing in common— 
all were shot in the beautiful landscape of “Gar Firdaus 
bar-rue zamin ast…’.
Remarkably, the above list has now started adding 
new hits as the Government of J&K has taken up 
‘Film Sector’ as a priority industry and has unveiled in 
August of 2021, the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 
2021’ – a comprehensive policy to address several 
objectives to make Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) the most  
sought-after filmmaking destination in India and a 
mainstream livelihood creation sector where artistic 
vibrancy shines through, tourism avenues expand and 
investment channels open into the UT. 
The Policy was launched after extensive stakeholder 
consultations led at the apex level by the Hon’ble 
Lieutenant Governor and with special inputs received 
from the nuanced film fraternity and their ecosystem in 
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Madras, and Kolkata. This was 
coupled with an exhaustive study of film policies across 
the Indian States and globally so that current and relevant 
best practices from the industry today could be mapped 
and a unique formulation of policy vision, objectives, 
roadmaps, and incentives are chalked out for J&K’s Film 
Policy. With this Policy, J&K is now witnessing a surge 
in big-budget movies with veteran actors, directors, and 
stalwarts in the movie production and music industry as 
front-runners in shooting in the Union Territory. The 
industry is appreciating the support offered via the Policy 
and the Single Window Cell. 
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had 
a unique and memorable tryst with films and filmmaking. 
The film industry has always desired to capture the pristine 
landscapes of snow-clad mountains, breath-taking valleys, 
and picturesque springs and imbibe the rich heritage, 
vibrant cuisines, beautiful traditions, and soulful folk 
music of the land. The locals in turn have always been 
great hosts and keen embracers of the needs of the industry. 
Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, 
Himalaya Ki God Mein, Janwar etc., stand testimony 
to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people 
of J&K. The story of this tryst is however quite filmy in 
itself. Like a movie interval, this rendezvous of films in 
YOJANA   September 2022 19 20 YOJANA   September 2022
the region was forced to undergo a compelled hiatus with 
guns and thorny roses taking over. The villainy of conflict 
of violence overpowered for some time but eventually, like 
any good old Hindi blockbuster movie, the power of love 
triumphed as if the ‘Zanjeer’ is being swiftly unshackled 
and the lovers are being reunited!
Nonpareil Offerings under the Policy 
The J&K Film Policy is a comprehensive and 
extensively drafted policy with over 12 Clauses to 
strategically revive the film industry and make J&K 
the most sought-after unique world-class filmmaking 
destination in India. It comes with a financial outlay of Rs 
100 crores every Financial Year for 5 years, until 2026.
Encompassing unmatched subsidy packages for films 
shot in the UT, starting at a cap of up to Rs 1 crore subsidy 
offered for the first film to be shot in UT to up to Rs 2 crore 
subsidy for the third film to be shot in 
UT, there are even subsidies for new 
categories such as OTT Films and web 
series, films shot on patriotic themes 
and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, and 
special incentives for utilisation of 
local artistic talent from J&K in films. 
The Policy offers the best-in-
country, tangible and intangible 
incentives for film shooting, financial 
and other incentives, and support for 
creating and upgrading world-class 
infrastructure such as developing Film 
Cities, Studios, multiplexes, etc. Some 
other offerings include the development 
of a Single Window Cell to offer 
information on locations, available talent, and equipment 
and an integrated portal for administrative efficiency and 
assistance for easing out procedures for filmmaking in the 
J&K and in granting permission for film shoots within 
defined timelines. The Policy also mandates the setting 
up of a dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Film Development 
Council at the apex level of J&K Government to execute 
the objectives under the policy in mission mode.
Setting up of a visionary J&K Film Development 
Council and development of the Single Window Cell to one 
of the fastest processing times for Film Shoot Applications 
in the country. 
A dedicated J&K Film Development Council has  
been set up at the Apex Level, which functions as a 
separate vertical and acts as a distinct agency to achieve the 
objectives of the Film Policy. The J&K Film Development 
Council is a high-powered Committee headed by the 
Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, 
Jammu and Kashmir as Chairman and comprises other 
senior officers and eminent personalities. 
As outlined in the Policy, a dedicated Single 
Window Cell was also set up in record time to handhold 
interested film enthusiasts to shoot films in the UT. 
An integrated portal was developed to act as a single-
point resource, hosting a location compendium, talent 
directory featuring interested local artists, equipment 
directory, and also to facilitate permissions for film 
shoots and availing of subsidy under the Policy in a 
time-bound efficient manner. As of today, over 125+ 
applications for shooting films were received since the 
launch of the Policy on 5 August 2021, on the portal. 
Out of them, over 122 applications were successfully 
processed and granted permission to shoot. The successful 
applications were processed in a record average time of 
4-5 working days, which is one of the fastest times for 
processing Film Shoot Applications in the country. This is 
in stark contrast to the earlier received average application 
numbers of just 1-2 per month with an 
average processing time of 20-25 days.
Way Forward 
A Film City in the Making
To build best-in-class nationally 
competitive infrastructure and to 
holistically develop the film ecosystem 
in J&K, the Government of Jammu and 
Kashmir is in the works to support the 
setting up of an all-round Film City with 
offerings such as music studios, skilling 
institutes, backlots, and sets, equipment 
warehouses, accommodation facilities, 
etc. This will be a one-of-a-kind 
infrastructure uniquely positioned to 
The film industry has always 
desired to capture the pristine 
landscapes of snow-clad 
mountains, breath-taking valleys, 
and picturesque springs and 
imbibe the rich heritage, vibrant 
cuisines, beautiful traditions, and 
soulful folk music of the land. 
The locals in turn have always 
been great hosts and keen 
embracers of the needs of the 
industry.
Page 4


18 YOJANA   September 2022
Tryst with Cinematic Paradise
Nitishwar Kumar
The author is an IAS and is presently the Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Film Development Council & Principal Secretary to Lieutenant 
Governor, J&K. Email: ps.rb-jk@nic.in
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had a unique and memorable tryst with films and 
filmmaking. Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Himalay Ki God Mein, Janwar 
stand testimony to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people of J&K. The Government 
of J&K has now formulated the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021’ that offers the best  
in-country tangible and intangible incentives for film shooting, financial and other incentives, 
and support for creating and upgrading world-class infrastructure.
J&K Film Policy 2021
SPECIAL ARTICLE
18 YOJANA   September 2022 YOJANA   September 2022 19
T
umse acha kaun hai, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, 
Noorie…, Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal 
aata hai, Chali re chali re… Jiya re jiya re, 
Zindagi kuch to bata…Kitni khoobsoorat yeh 
tasveer hai; All these songs have one thing in common— 
all were shot in the beautiful landscape of “Gar Firdaus 
bar-rue zamin ast…’.
Remarkably, the above list has now started adding 
new hits as the Government of J&K has taken up 
‘Film Sector’ as a priority industry and has unveiled in 
August of 2021, the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 
2021’ – a comprehensive policy to address several 
objectives to make Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) the most  
sought-after filmmaking destination in India and a 
mainstream livelihood creation sector where artistic 
vibrancy shines through, tourism avenues expand and 
investment channels open into the UT. 
The Policy was launched after extensive stakeholder 
consultations led at the apex level by the Hon’ble 
Lieutenant Governor and with special inputs received 
from the nuanced film fraternity and their ecosystem in 
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Madras, and Kolkata. This was 
coupled with an exhaustive study of film policies across 
the Indian States and globally so that current and relevant 
best practices from the industry today could be mapped 
and a unique formulation of policy vision, objectives, 
roadmaps, and incentives are chalked out for J&K’s Film 
Policy. With this Policy, J&K is now witnessing a surge 
in big-budget movies with veteran actors, directors, and 
stalwarts in the movie production and music industry as 
front-runners in shooting in the Union Territory. The 
industry is appreciating the support offered via the Policy 
and the Single Window Cell. 
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had 
a unique and memorable tryst with films and filmmaking. 
The film industry has always desired to capture the pristine 
landscapes of snow-clad mountains, breath-taking valleys, 
and picturesque springs and imbibe the rich heritage, 
vibrant cuisines, beautiful traditions, and soulful folk 
music of the land. The locals in turn have always been 
great hosts and keen embracers of the needs of the industry. 
Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, 
Himalaya Ki God Mein, Janwar etc., stand testimony 
to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people 
of J&K. The story of this tryst is however quite filmy in 
itself. Like a movie interval, this rendezvous of films in 
YOJANA   September 2022 19 20 YOJANA   September 2022
the region was forced to undergo a compelled hiatus with 
guns and thorny roses taking over. The villainy of conflict 
of violence overpowered for some time but eventually, like 
any good old Hindi blockbuster movie, the power of love 
triumphed as if the ‘Zanjeer’ is being swiftly unshackled 
and the lovers are being reunited!
Nonpareil Offerings under the Policy 
The J&K Film Policy is a comprehensive and 
extensively drafted policy with over 12 Clauses to 
strategically revive the film industry and make J&K 
the most sought-after unique world-class filmmaking 
destination in India. It comes with a financial outlay of Rs 
100 crores every Financial Year for 5 years, until 2026.
Encompassing unmatched subsidy packages for films 
shot in the UT, starting at a cap of up to Rs 1 crore subsidy 
offered for the first film to be shot in UT to up to Rs 2 crore 
subsidy for the third film to be shot in 
UT, there are even subsidies for new 
categories such as OTT Films and web 
series, films shot on patriotic themes 
and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, and 
special incentives for utilisation of 
local artistic talent from J&K in films. 
The Policy offers the best-in-
country, tangible and intangible 
incentives for film shooting, financial 
and other incentives, and support for 
creating and upgrading world-class 
infrastructure such as developing Film 
Cities, Studios, multiplexes, etc. Some 
other offerings include the development 
of a Single Window Cell to offer 
information on locations, available talent, and equipment 
and an integrated portal for administrative efficiency and 
assistance for easing out procedures for filmmaking in the 
J&K and in granting permission for film shoots within 
defined timelines. The Policy also mandates the setting 
up of a dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Film Development 
Council at the apex level of J&K Government to execute 
the objectives under the policy in mission mode.
Setting up of a visionary J&K Film Development 
Council and development of the Single Window Cell to one 
of the fastest processing times for Film Shoot Applications 
in the country. 
A dedicated J&K Film Development Council has  
been set up at the Apex Level, which functions as a 
separate vertical and acts as a distinct agency to achieve the 
objectives of the Film Policy. The J&K Film Development 
Council is a high-powered Committee headed by the 
Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, 
Jammu and Kashmir as Chairman and comprises other 
senior officers and eminent personalities. 
As outlined in the Policy, a dedicated Single 
Window Cell was also set up in record time to handhold 
interested film enthusiasts to shoot films in the UT. 
An integrated portal was developed to act as a single-
point resource, hosting a location compendium, talent 
directory featuring interested local artists, equipment 
directory, and also to facilitate permissions for film 
shoots and availing of subsidy under the Policy in a 
time-bound efficient manner. As of today, over 125+ 
applications for shooting films were received since the 
launch of the Policy on 5 August 2021, on the portal. 
Out of them, over 122 applications were successfully 
processed and granted permission to shoot. The successful 
applications were processed in a record average time of 
4-5 working days, which is one of the fastest times for 
processing Film Shoot Applications in the country. This is 
in stark contrast to the earlier received average application 
numbers of just 1-2 per month with an 
average processing time of 20-25 days.
Way Forward 
A Film City in the Making
To build best-in-class nationally 
competitive infrastructure and to 
holistically develop the film ecosystem 
in J&K, the Government of Jammu and 
Kashmir is in the works to support the 
setting up of an all-round Film City with 
offerings such as music studios, skilling 
institutes, backlots, and sets, equipment 
warehouses, accommodation facilities, 
etc. This will be a one-of-a-kind 
infrastructure uniquely positioned to 
The film industry has always 
desired to capture the pristine 
landscapes of snow-clad 
mountains, breath-taking valleys, 
and picturesque springs and 
imbibe the rich heritage, vibrant 
cuisines, beautiful traditions, and 
soulful folk music of the land. 
The locals in turn have always 
been great hosts and keen 
embracers of the needs of the 
industry.
YOJANA   September 2022 21
the requirements of the Filming sector 
in the UT and will position it as one 
of the most ideal and sought-after 
filmmaking locations in India.
Annual Film Festival 
The Film Policy aspires to 
establish the J&K Film Festival as an 
annual calendar event every year to 
allow the filmmaking community to 
exchange ideas, showcase their work, 
and be part of building a celebratory 
narrative of films in J&K. Through 
the festival, an objective will also be to disseminate 
information about the art, culture, history, heritage, 
livelihood, and glorious traditions of the Jammu & 
Kashmir to the world. 
J&K Film Awards
The Government of J&K intends to bring in a system 
of awarding films and filmmakers. An indicative list 
of awards may include categories such as— Awards of 
Excellence for J&K Films, Films Promoting Jammu & 
Kashmir as a Destination, etc.
Restoration & Preservation of J&K Films
Work to set up Jammu & Kashmir Film Archives in the 
Directorate of Information and Public Relations is already 
ongoing. This will enable the Government to not only 
maintain a record of the acclaimed work but also create 
a database of the film industry going forward. Existing 
archives (if any, both analog and digital), as identified by 
the committee to be of archival value, will be restored in a 
mission mode. Producers will be encouraged to deposit a 
copy of their film and publicity material with the archives 
moving forward.
FAM Trips
Familiarisation trips are being planned by the 
government for potential investors, filmmakers, decision-
makers, regional producers, or other 
relevant stakeholders to encourage and 
incentivise investments in this sector.
Development of Shooting Places
The J&K Film Development 
Council is in the process of identifying, 
cataloging, and developing promising 
potential shooting locations that have 
aesthetic and cinematic appeal. These 
locations will be developed in synergy 
with the Tourism Department and 
private investors.
With the setting up of a dedicated J&K Film 
Development Council, these aspirations have been taken 
up in mission mode to streamline the film industry and its 
allied sectors, and to bring in the necessary investments 
and stakeholders to rejuvenate the industry and love for 
films and filmmaking in general among the public of 
Jammu and Kashmir. 
In addition, a notably unique flagship programme, 
‘Redefining the Paradise’ was also jointly conceptualised 
by the Mission Youth Initiative of J&K and the J&K Film 
Development Council for promoting local talent, film-
friendly shooting locations, and harnessing the potential 
of tourist villages in J&K. Significantly, the programme 
facilitates promoting the shooting of songs and movies in 
the selected villages through systematic assistance. Any 
such initiative is to be incentivised by way of financial 
assistance up to the tune of Rs 10 lakh as support for 
promoting both the scenic beauty and local talent in 
tune with J&K Film Policy. The programme also offers 
financial incentives to local youth groups for initiatives 
that promote rural tourism optimally to generate jobs, 
and income and promote new destinations. Further, 
the initiative will also facilitate inter-departmental 
coordination for prioritising the promotion of silver 
screening in Jammu & Kashmir. 
This Policy has the potential to emerge 
as a change maker for the film ecosystem in 
the valley and India and serve as a uniquely-
framed policy with its thrust given to local 
film talent, film infrastructure, and sustainable 
service economy. 
Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021 
not only sets the vision for the creation of a 
vibrant world-class Film Ecosystem in the 
UT but also epitomises the legendary tryst 
that existed between Jammu and Kashmir 
and films and resets it in motion once again, 
making it creatively reverberate across the 
globe through both tangible and intangible 
mediums.                                                      ?
J&K Film Policy 2021 has 
the potential to emerge as 
a change maker for the film 
ecosystem in the valley and 
India and serve as a uniquely-
framed policy with its thrust 
given to local film talent, film 
infrastructure, and sustainable 
service economy.
A still from the movie 'Kashmir ki Kali'
Page 5


18 YOJANA   September 2022
Tryst with Cinematic Paradise
Nitishwar Kumar
The author is an IAS and is presently the Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Film Development Council & Principal Secretary to Lieutenant 
Governor, J&K. Email: ps.rb-jk@nic.in
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had a unique and memorable tryst with films and 
filmmaking. Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Himalay Ki God Mein, Janwar 
stand testimony to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people of J&K. The Government 
of J&K has now formulated the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021’ that offers the best  
in-country tangible and intangible incentives for film shooting, financial and other incentives, 
and support for creating and upgrading world-class infrastructure.
J&K Film Policy 2021
SPECIAL ARTICLE
18 YOJANA   September 2022 YOJANA   September 2022 19
T
umse acha kaun hai, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, 
Noorie…, Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal 
aata hai, Chali re chali re… Jiya re jiya re, 
Zindagi kuch to bata…Kitni khoobsoorat yeh 
tasveer hai; All these songs have one thing in common— 
all were shot in the beautiful landscape of “Gar Firdaus 
bar-rue zamin ast…’.
Remarkably, the above list has now started adding 
new hits as the Government of J&K has taken up 
‘Film Sector’ as a priority industry and has unveiled in 
August of 2021, the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 
2021’ – a comprehensive policy to address several 
objectives to make Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) the most  
sought-after filmmaking destination in India and a 
mainstream livelihood creation sector where artistic 
vibrancy shines through, tourism avenues expand and 
investment channels open into the UT. 
The Policy was launched after extensive stakeholder 
consultations led at the apex level by the Hon’ble 
Lieutenant Governor and with special inputs received 
from the nuanced film fraternity and their ecosystem in 
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Madras, and Kolkata. This was 
coupled with an exhaustive study of film policies across 
the Indian States and globally so that current and relevant 
best practices from the industry today could be mapped 
and a unique formulation of policy vision, objectives, 
roadmaps, and incentives are chalked out for J&K’s Film 
Policy. With this Policy, J&K is now witnessing a surge 
in big-budget movies with veteran actors, directors, and 
stalwarts in the movie production and music industry as 
front-runners in shooting in the Union Territory. The 
industry is appreciating the support offered via the Policy 
and the Single Window Cell. 
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has had 
a unique and memorable tryst with films and filmmaking. 
The film industry has always desired to capture the pristine 
landscapes of snow-clad mountains, breath-taking valleys, 
and picturesque springs and imbibe the rich heritage, 
vibrant cuisines, beautiful traditions, and soulful folk 
music of the land. The locals in turn have always been 
great hosts and keen embracers of the needs of the industry. 
Classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, 
Himalaya Ki God Mein, Janwar etc., stand testimony 
to this beautiful affair between cinema and the people 
of J&K. The story of this tryst is however quite filmy in 
itself. Like a movie interval, this rendezvous of films in 
YOJANA   September 2022 19 20 YOJANA   September 2022
the region was forced to undergo a compelled hiatus with 
guns and thorny roses taking over. The villainy of conflict 
of violence overpowered for some time but eventually, like 
any good old Hindi blockbuster movie, the power of love 
triumphed as if the ‘Zanjeer’ is being swiftly unshackled 
and the lovers are being reunited!
Nonpareil Offerings under the Policy 
The J&K Film Policy is a comprehensive and 
extensively drafted policy with over 12 Clauses to 
strategically revive the film industry and make J&K 
the most sought-after unique world-class filmmaking 
destination in India. It comes with a financial outlay of Rs 
100 crores every Financial Year for 5 years, until 2026.
Encompassing unmatched subsidy packages for films 
shot in the UT, starting at a cap of up to Rs 1 crore subsidy 
offered for the first film to be shot in UT to up to Rs 2 crore 
subsidy for the third film to be shot in 
UT, there are even subsidies for new 
categories such as OTT Films and web 
series, films shot on patriotic themes 
and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, and 
special incentives for utilisation of 
local artistic talent from J&K in films. 
The Policy offers the best-in-
country, tangible and intangible 
incentives for film shooting, financial 
and other incentives, and support for 
creating and upgrading world-class 
infrastructure such as developing Film 
Cities, Studios, multiplexes, etc. Some 
other offerings include the development 
of a Single Window Cell to offer 
information on locations, available talent, and equipment 
and an integrated portal for administrative efficiency and 
assistance for easing out procedures for filmmaking in the 
J&K and in granting permission for film shoots within 
defined timelines. The Policy also mandates the setting 
up of a dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Film Development 
Council at the apex level of J&K Government to execute 
the objectives under the policy in mission mode.
Setting up of a visionary J&K Film Development 
Council and development of the Single Window Cell to one 
of the fastest processing times for Film Shoot Applications 
in the country. 
A dedicated J&K Film Development Council has  
been set up at the Apex Level, which functions as a 
separate vertical and acts as a distinct agency to achieve the 
objectives of the Film Policy. The J&K Film Development 
Council is a high-powered Committee headed by the 
Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, 
Jammu and Kashmir as Chairman and comprises other 
senior officers and eminent personalities. 
As outlined in the Policy, a dedicated Single 
Window Cell was also set up in record time to handhold 
interested film enthusiasts to shoot films in the UT. 
An integrated portal was developed to act as a single-
point resource, hosting a location compendium, talent 
directory featuring interested local artists, equipment 
directory, and also to facilitate permissions for film 
shoots and availing of subsidy under the Policy in a 
time-bound efficient manner. As of today, over 125+ 
applications for shooting films were received since the 
launch of the Policy on 5 August 2021, on the portal. 
Out of them, over 122 applications were successfully 
processed and granted permission to shoot. The successful 
applications were processed in a record average time of 
4-5 working days, which is one of the fastest times for 
processing Film Shoot Applications in the country. This is 
in stark contrast to the earlier received average application 
numbers of just 1-2 per month with an 
average processing time of 20-25 days.
Way Forward 
A Film City in the Making
To build best-in-class nationally 
competitive infrastructure and to 
holistically develop the film ecosystem 
in J&K, the Government of Jammu and 
Kashmir is in the works to support the 
setting up of an all-round Film City with 
offerings such as music studios, skilling 
institutes, backlots, and sets, equipment 
warehouses, accommodation facilities, 
etc. This will be a one-of-a-kind 
infrastructure uniquely positioned to 
The film industry has always 
desired to capture the pristine 
landscapes of snow-clad 
mountains, breath-taking valleys, 
and picturesque springs and 
imbibe the rich heritage, vibrant 
cuisines, beautiful traditions, and 
soulful folk music of the land. 
The locals in turn have always 
been great hosts and keen 
embracers of the needs of the 
industry.
YOJANA   September 2022 21
the requirements of the Filming sector 
in the UT and will position it as one 
of the most ideal and sought-after 
filmmaking locations in India.
Annual Film Festival 
The Film Policy aspires to 
establish the J&K Film Festival as an 
annual calendar event every year to 
allow the filmmaking community to 
exchange ideas, showcase their work, 
and be part of building a celebratory 
narrative of films in J&K. Through 
the festival, an objective will also be to disseminate 
information about the art, culture, history, heritage, 
livelihood, and glorious traditions of the Jammu & 
Kashmir to the world. 
J&K Film Awards
The Government of J&K intends to bring in a system 
of awarding films and filmmakers. An indicative list 
of awards may include categories such as— Awards of 
Excellence for J&K Films, Films Promoting Jammu & 
Kashmir as a Destination, etc.
Restoration & Preservation of J&K Films
Work to set up Jammu & Kashmir Film Archives in the 
Directorate of Information and Public Relations is already 
ongoing. This will enable the Government to not only 
maintain a record of the acclaimed work but also create 
a database of the film industry going forward. Existing 
archives (if any, both analog and digital), as identified by 
the committee to be of archival value, will be restored in a 
mission mode. Producers will be encouraged to deposit a 
copy of their film and publicity material with the archives 
moving forward.
FAM Trips
Familiarisation trips are being planned by the 
government for potential investors, filmmakers, decision-
makers, regional producers, or other 
relevant stakeholders to encourage and 
incentivise investments in this sector.
Development of Shooting Places
The J&K Film Development 
Council is in the process of identifying, 
cataloging, and developing promising 
potential shooting locations that have 
aesthetic and cinematic appeal. These 
locations will be developed in synergy 
with the Tourism Department and 
private investors.
With the setting up of a dedicated J&K Film 
Development Council, these aspirations have been taken 
up in mission mode to streamline the film industry and its 
allied sectors, and to bring in the necessary investments 
and stakeholders to rejuvenate the industry and love for 
films and filmmaking in general among the public of 
Jammu and Kashmir. 
In addition, a notably unique flagship programme, 
‘Redefining the Paradise’ was also jointly conceptualised 
by the Mission Youth Initiative of J&K and the J&K Film 
Development Council for promoting local talent, film-
friendly shooting locations, and harnessing the potential 
of tourist villages in J&K. Significantly, the programme 
facilitates promoting the shooting of songs and movies in 
the selected villages through systematic assistance. Any 
such initiative is to be incentivised by way of financial 
assistance up to the tune of Rs 10 lakh as support for 
promoting both the scenic beauty and local talent in 
tune with J&K Film Policy. The programme also offers 
financial incentives to local youth groups for initiatives 
that promote rural tourism optimally to generate jobs, 
and income and promote new destinations. Further, 
the initiative will also facilitate inter-departmental 
coordination for prioritising the promotion of silver 
screening in Jammu & Kashmir. 
This Policy has the potential to emerge 
as a change maker for the film ecosystem in 
the valley and India and serve as a uniquely-
framed policy with its thrust given to local 
film talent, film infrastructure, and sustainable 
service economy. 
Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021 
not only sets the vision for the creation of a 
vibrant world-class Film Ecosystem in the 
UT but also epitomises the legendary tryst 
that existed between Jammu and Kashmir 
and films and resets it in motion once again, 
making it creatively reverberate across the 
globe through both tangible and intangible 
mediums.                                                      ?
J&K Film Policy 2021 has 
the potential to emerge as 
a change maker for the film 
ecosystem in the valley and 
India and serve as a uniquely-
framed policy with its thrust 
given to local film talent, film 
infrastructure, and sustainable 
service economy.
A still from the movie 'Kashmir ki Kali'
22 YOJANA   September 2022
ince the introduction of constitutional reforms 
with regards to J&K in August 2019, the 
government has been focused on bringing 
about wide-ranging reforms to substantially 
improve governance and enhance ease of living for the 
people of the region at an unprecedented pace. 
•	 Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, built at a cost of over 
Rs 3100 crore is operational. The 8.45 km long tunnel 
would reduce the road distance between Banihal and 
Qazigund by 16 km, and reduce journey time by around 
one and a half hour. The tunnel would help establish 
an all-weather connection between Jammu & Kashmir, 
and bring the two regions closer.
•	 A 500 KW solar power plant at Palli was inaugurated 
by the Prime Minister which will make it the country’s 
first Panchayat to become carbon neutral.
•	 Srinagar’s long-awaited Ram Bagh flyover was opened.
•	 Ongoing Road & Transport Projects:
o Baramulla-Gulmarg: NH-701A in Union Territory 
of J&K; upgradation of the existing carriageway; 
total length 43 km; awarded cost Rs 85 crores to 
improve riding quality of NH for tourist to visit 
Gulmarg.
o V ailoo-Donipawa (P-VI): NH-244 in the Anantnag 
district of J&K; construction and upgradation 
(2L+PS) of the road; total length 28 km; awarded 
cost Rs 158 crores to provide connectivity to 
Kokernag and V ailoo.
o Donipawa-Ashajipra (P-VII): NH-244, joining 
with NH-44 in the District of Anantnag; 
construction of a new bypass (2L+PS); total length 
8.5 Km; awarded cost Rs 57 Crores to bypass the 
Anantnag district.
o Four lane Ring Road around Srinagar (42 km): 
Rs 2948.72 crores allotted for decongestion of 
Srinagar city.
•	 Various initiatives have been taken to streamline 
Amarnathji Yatra for the devotees. 
•	 Jammu Ropeway has been completed and Phase-II of 
Jammu Ropeway from Mahamaya to Bagh-e-Bahu 
section has also been commissioned.
•	 Under the Central Sector Scheme ‘PRASHAD’, the 
construction of the tourist interpretation centre at 
Dargah Hazratbal has been completed.
•	 A New Central Sector Scheme has been notified on  
19 February 2021, for the industrial development of the 
UT of J&K, with an outlay of Rs 28,400 crore, which 
is likely to employ over 4.5 lakh people while boosting 
Towards Ease of Living
S
the industrial development of J&K.
•	 J&K has been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) 
under Swachh Bharat Mission.
•	 A 100 per cent saturation has been achieved in 17 
individual beneficiary centric schemes, including 
Saubhagya, Ujala, Ujjwala, and Indradhanush schemes.
•	 During the year 2020-21, 1,289 road construction 
works were completed at a cost of Rs 1,638 crores. 
The construction work of 14,500 km of roads has been 
completed so far under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak 
Yojana, which has connected about 2,000 places.
•	 An international flight from Srinagar to Sharjah has 
been started on 23 October 2021. In addition, night 
flights from Jammu and Srinagar have also been 
started.
•	 The scope of the High-Density Plantation Scheme 
for apple has been expanded to include mango, litchi, 
cherry, walnut, etc. Kashmiri saffron has been given the 
Geographical-Indication (GI) tag.
•	 Under fast-track recruitment, 26,330 posts have been 
identified in various departments in the UT of J&K 
and taken up for recruitment. Presently, selection 
process has been completed with respect to 11,324 
posts.
A total of 1,41,815 new works/projects have been 
taken up under various sectors/schemes in the UT of J&K 
since 2019. Funds amounting to Rs 27,274.00 crore have 
been provided for completion of these works/projects. 
The project construction and procurement activities 
are creating significant employment opportunities 
for skilled as well as unskilled labourers, engineers, 
transporters and small businesses in addition to those 
engaged in supply of material, equipment and tools in 
the private sector. It is estimated that this investment 
has generated employment of about 1,169 lakh man 
days in the UT of J&K. Besides connectivity and power 
infrastructure projects, status of progress in other sectors is 
as under:
i. PMDP-2015: The progress of projects being 
implemented in the UT of J&K under the Prime 
Minister’s Development Package-2015 has been 
accelerated. 53 projects pertaining to 15 Ministries 
are being implemented at a cost of Rs 58,477 crore 
in various sectors such as Roads, Power, Health, 
Education, Tourism, Agriculture, Skill Development 
etc., out of which 25 projects have been completed/
substantially completed.
ii. Languishing Projects: Under languishing projects 
programme, 1,193 projects worth Rs 1,984 crores were 
DeveloPmeNt roaDmaP
22 YOJANA   September 2022