Government focusing on increasing screen density. Single window clearance for setting up theatres soon – I&B Additional Secretary, Neerja Shekhar

Neerja Shekhar, who chaired the meeting, discussed the initiatives taken by the Ministry and various central sector schemes being implemented with respect to the film industry including incentives for shooting foreign films in India and organising a global media & entertainment summit.

She also pointed out the requirement for increasing the density of screens. “The Government is planning to come up with single window clearances for opening of film theatres and also for event management.” She also informed that ideas are being sought for setting up rural theatres and mobile screens in order to achieve this objective. “We are going to work in a big way in increasing theatre density, in collaboration with states and UTs,” she mentioned.

Ms. Shekhar also spoke about the incentives under audio visual services of Champion Services Sector Scheme. “Audio Visual Services is one of the 12 champion service sectors which the government seeks to promote,” she said. The Government has approved financial incentives for co-production of films in countries with which India has co-production agreements. “For audio visual co-production with foreign countries, reimbursement of up to Rs. 2 crore or 30% for Rs. 25 crore budget film is available. Similar incentive is available for shooting foreign films in India.” BCS Bureau