CM Saini unveils plans to make Haryana a hub of film industry; gives incentives to 6 movie-makers
To promote film production in the state and preserve folk culture, the Haryana Government on Monday night provided incentives to six film-makers under the Haryana Film Policy.
During a ceremony, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini gave a draft of Rs 2 crore each to four films selected by the governing council established to oversee the implementation of the Haryana Film and Entertainment Policy. These films include 'Chhalaang', 'Tera Kya Hoga Lovely', 'Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayi' and 'Fuffad Ji'. Besides this, the film ‘Dada Lakhmi Chand’ received an incentive of Rs 1 crore, and the movie ‘1600 Meter’ was given Rs 50.70 lakh as incentive. Actress Mita Vashisht, actors Yashpal Sharma, Ammy Virk, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Preeti Sapru, Sumitra Hooda, Usha Sharma, and many other artistes, filmmakers and various other people associated with the film industry graced the event.
Government aims to make Haryana a film hub
The Chief Minister said that many films had already been produced in Haryana and had been well-appreciated by the public. This prompted the government to launch a clear and visionary film policy for the first time, he said. The aim was to preserve the state’s rich folk culture and promote it through the medium of cinema. “With single-window shooting permissions and subsidy incentives under this policy, Haryana is carving a niche for itself in the film industry, just like in other sectors. This will not only harness the creative potential of Haryana’s youth but will also attract several filmmakers to the state for their ventures. The government is determined to transform Haryana into India’s next film hub,” said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister appealed to film-makers to support the effort of transforming Haryana into a hub for film production, assuring that the Haryana Government stands with them at every step.
Film cities to be developed in Pinjore and Gurugram
The Chief Minister said that the government had decided to establish film cities in the state in two phases. In the first phase, a film city was being developed on 100 acres of land at Pinjore in Panchkula district. “The land has already been finalised, and the process of appointing a consultant is under way,” he said. “In the second phase, a film city will be developed in Gurugram, where the land is being identified for the process. Additionally, discussions are being held with Prasar Bharati to begin broadcast of Haryanvi films once a week on Doordarshan,” said Saini.
Film-making course to be introducted in universities
He said Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (SUPVA) would be entrusted with the responsibility of starting film-making courses in every university in Haryana. Moreover, in collaboration with the Education Department, SUPVA will also work towards introducing theatre education in every school.
Government to allocate budget to promote industry
He said a Haryana Film Promotion Cell had been established to bring implement the policy. “This cell will promote Haryana as a preferred destination for filmmaking, develop the necessary infrastructure and recommend concessions, incentives and support for the growth of the film industry. In addition, a Haryana Film Promotion Board has been constituted.” The Chief Minister said that the process for granting shooting permissions in the state had been made entirely online and transparent. He said the primary objective of the film policy is to foster a thriving film culture in Haryana, making it a favored destination for film production while creating new employment opportunities. The film policy will aid in developing the infrastructure needed for the production, editing and exhibition of films. The government will allocate a dedicated budget to promote the film industry.
Re-open theatres in cities, villages: Actress Meeta Vashisht
Meeta Vashisth, chairperson of the governing council, said making a film required more than just a story, it demanded knowledge of a region’s attire, culture and lifestyle. “The more we study our culture, the more deeply we can leave an imprint of Haryana’s stories in cinema,” she said. To promote Haryanvi films, she urged that single-screen theatres be reopened in both cities and villages so these films could find audiences and help in promoting Haryanvi culture.
