Patna: Filmmakers planning to shoot in Bihar may soon have an easier route to secure government permissions, with the state preparing to introduce a single-window system for film production-related clearances.
Under the proposed mechanism, filmmakers will only need to approach the Film Corporation, which will coordinate with various government departments to obtain the required permissions and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The system is expected to become operational within the next two to three weeks.
Filmmakers currently required to approach multiple departments
At present, producers and directors often have to approach different government departments for permissions depending on the locations selected for a film shoot. The process can be time-consuming and may delay production schedules.
For instance, filming in Valmikinagar requires clearance from the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Under the proposed system, filmmakers will no longer have to independently coordinate such approvals.
Instead, the government will facilitate the process through the Film Corporation, allowing production teams to focus on their filming activities.
59 films already granted shooting permission
According to the information provided, permission has so far been granted for the shooting of 59 films in Bihar. The government is also processing grants for films in which more than 70% of the shooting has taken place within the state.
Officials expect the streamlined approval mechanism to encourage more filmmakers to choose Bihar as a shooting destination and increase film-related activity across the state.
Patna emerges as a preferred filming destination
Filmmakers are increasingly exploring locations across Bihar, including Patna, Valmikinagar, Gopalganj, Chhapra, Rajgir and Gaya.
Patna, in particular, has emerged as a popular choice because of its distinctive urban landscape, crowds and local character. Hindi and Bhojpuri films have been filmed at locations such as Gandhi Maidan, Patna Junction, Dak Bungalow and the Marine Drive area.
Single-window system aimed at reducing delays
Once the new system is implemented, filmmakers will not have to visit multiple departments individually for location-specific permissions. The Film Corporation will coordinate the required clearances on their behalf.
The move is aimed at reducing administrative delays and making Bihar a more convenient destination for film production.
Government eyes employment opportunities
Dr Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi, Minister of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs, said producers and directors shooting in Bihar would no longer have to make repeated visits to different departments to secure approvals.
He said the Department of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs would extend assistance to filmmakers by coordinating the necessary clearances from various departments.
The government expects the initiative to encourage greater film production in Bihar while generating new employment opportunities for local artists, technicians, production workers and other professionals associated with the film industry.
