The Kashmir Pulse

JAMMU — The Administrative Council, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Sh. Manoj Sinha, embarked on a series of decisions aimed at enhancing various sectors of development across Jammu and Kashmir.

In a move to alleviate the burden on domestic power consumers, the Administrative Council approved the extension of the Amnesty Scheme-2022 until March 31, 2025. This scheme, benefiting over 86% of Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) consumers, aims to waive 100% interest/surcharge on outstanding principal amounts, facilitating affordable installment payments (EMIs) for consumers.

With Rs. 235.58 crore already recovered under the scheme, the government anticipates a reduction in commercial losses and improved financial stability for DISCOMS.

Simultaneously, the Council sanctioned the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024, designed to position the region as a cinematic hub. With a focus on administrative facilitation, financial assistance, and infrastructure development, the policy underscores the commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering national competitiveness.

Notably, the policy introduces a Film Development Fund of Rs. 500 crores, catering to diverse film projects and ensuring equitable opportunities for regional filmmakers.

Furthermore, the Administrative Council approved the installation of a vertical lift from Peerkho Station to Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, integrating key tourist attractions and enhancing accessibility.

This initiative, coupled with the transfer of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society to the Culture Department, aims to streamline heritage preservation efforts and bolster tourism, aligning with the government's vision of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a significant move towards agricultural development, the Council sanctioned the transfer of 22 Kanals and 2 Marlas of land for establishing a Dairy Plant in Estate Devipora, Ganderbal district.

With the Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited leading the implementation, this project is poised to benefit approximately 1.50 lakh milk producers and generate employment for 400 to 500 individuals, contributing to economic growth and nutritional enhancement in the region.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir continues to be the hotspot for Bollywood and south Indian film industry as 102 films and web series have been shot here during the year 2023.

With this, in the last two years, more than 300 films and web series have been shot in Jammu and Kashmir, which earned applause for featuring the beautiful locations of Kashmir.

As per the figures, a total of 102 Bollywood and Tollywood films and web series have been granted permission to shoot in Jammu and Kashmir in 2023.

To name a few, Shahrukh Khan-starrer Dunki, Yami Gautam's Article 370, and John Abraham’s Vedaa are some of the prominent Bollywood movies that were shot in Kashmir last year.

Earlier in 2022, as many as 200 films and web series were permitted by the government to shoot in Kashmir.

Officials said the valley has succeeded in attracting filmmakers as a lot of them have applied for permission to shoot in Kashmir.

“The film policy proved to be a catalyst to attract filmmakers to choose Kashmir as the destination for shooting their films. A lot of filmmakers have got permission to shoot films and web series in Kashmir during the last two years,” they said.

Officials also said the government has unveiled some of the new destinations in order to promote them as prime film destinations.

In 2021, the government launched its maiden film policy to attract filmmakers to Jammu and Kashmir. The government also created a Film Development Fund (FDF) in the Information Department for the fiscal year 2022-23 for the disbursement of subsidies envisaged in the J&K Film Policy 2021.

A single-window mechanism has been started by the Jammu and Kashmir Film Development Council to facilitate hassle-free shooting. Filmmakers are applying online at jkfilm.jk.gov.in.

Since the unveiling of the film policy, a lot of directors have applied to shoot their films in Jammu and Kashmir. The administration has offered filmmakers a subsidy to shoot in the union territory.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse