Approves J&K Film Policy-2024, gives nod to installation of vertical lift on Jammu Ropeway Project
JAMMU: The Administrative Council which met here under the Chairmanship of Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor approved the extension of Amnesty Scheme-2022 up to 31-3-2025 in favour of Domestic Consumers of electricity.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, J&K; Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.
The scheme provides for waving off 100% interest/surcharge on outstanding principal amount. In UT of J&K, the domestic consumer category comprises over 86% of JKPDD consumers and around 50% of total energy consumption in the UT is from the said category of the consumers.
However, almost 30% of these Domestic consumers (approximately 5.50 lakh) in the said sector are either making staggered payments or have not made any payment towards their electricity bills primarily due to a huge accumulation of outstanding power dues including late payment surcharges/interest which is leading to high commercial losses to JKPDD/Discoms.
The Amnesty Scheme has resulted in the recovery of Rs. 235.58 crore from domestic consumers. Domestic consumers shall benefit by waving off the surcharge amount and payments of the principal amount in affordable instalments (EMIs).
The Government/DISCOMS shall be able to recover the outstanding principal amount which shall result in decreasing the ARR/ACS gap and shall have a positive effect on lowering AT&C losses too.
Meanwhile, the Administrative Council (AC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.
The Policy aims to position J&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, a package of financial assistance, promoting Government/Non-Government Organizations associated with the publicity of cinema and striving to create nationally competitive infrastructure for film making.
The policy provides for bodies like the Film Development Council, J&K Film Division, Script Screening Committee, Divisional Location Permission Committee, Film Development Fund and mechanisms for branding and promotion of activities using 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 etc. has also been notified in the policy.
The maximum subsidy in the regional languages of J&K will be Rs 1.25 crores.
A Film Development Fund shall be created from fiscal year 2024-25 with the allocation of Rs. 500 crores (payable in the next 05 years with an annual budgetary grant of Rs. 100 crores.) to be sourced from the CAPEX budget for disbursement of subsidies/incentives. The minimum cost of production of the film shall be Rs.10 crores and it must be screened on a minimum of 25 screens across the country. For domiciles of J&K, the minimum cost of production of a film shall be Rs.50 lacs and it must be screened on a minimum of 3 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 05 years.
Meanwhile, the Administrative Council which met here under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha accorded administrative approval for the installation of a vertical lift from Peerkho Station of the Jammu Ropeway Project to Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex at an estimated cost of Rs 25.07 Cr.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, J&K; Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.
The vertical lift comprises two lifts, each with a capacity of 13 passengers, ensuring efficient transportation between Peerkho Station and Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. The project includes a foot-over bridge for connectivity and safety measures for the passengers.
The installation of this lift will have no adverse structural impact on the Mubarak Mandi Complex. The project has been conceptualised with technical vetting from IIT Jammu.
It is an initiative aimed to seamlessly integrate key tourist attractions, thus fostering tourism and cultural exploration of the region. The area is famous for its ancient temples and has a scenic advantage due to the upcoming Tawi Riverfront project.
