Patna: Bihar is rapidly carving a niche for itself in the country’s film and entertainment industry. With the effective implementation of the Bihar Film Promotion Policy, 2024, the state has already granted permission for shooting 37 films, web series, and documentaries across various locations. The move is expected to enhance Bihar’s visibility as a prominent destination for filmmakers.
State Film City on the Horizon
Pranav Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Arts and Culture, informed reporters at a press conference on Wednesday that the state government is taking significant steps toward the development of Bihar’s first Film City. Before initiating construction, the government is conducting a study to gauge the interest and requirements of film and web series producers and directors. The aim is to ensure that the Film City meets the specific needs of the creative community.
Preserving Traditional Arts through Guru-Shishya Scheme
As part of efforts to preserve the state’s vanishing art forms, the Bihar government has launched the “Mukhyamantri Guru-Shishya Parampara Yojana.” Under this initiative, experienced artists act as “Gurus,” passing on traditional folk arts, music, dance, and instrumentation to younger “Shishyas.” So far, the department has received 233 applications under this scheme, reflecting strong public interest.
Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Artist Pension Scheme provides financial support to senior, economically disadvantaged, and neglected artists. Eligible recipients receive a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000. To date, 85 artists from districts including Patna, Saran, Khagaria, Katihar, Purnia, Banka, Bhojpur, Araria, Jehanabad, and Kishanganj have been selected.
Digital Push for Transparency and Outreach
The Department of Arts and Culture has launched a comprehensive artist registration portal. Over 3,800 artists across various art forms have registered so far. The initiative is intended to create data-driven policies, ensure transparency, and strengthen targeted welfare for artists.
Chhath Mahaparv Proposed for UNESCO World Heritage Status
Highlighting Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, Pranav Kumar stated that the state government has submitted a proposal to UNESCO to include the Chhath Mahaparv on the World Heritage List. The festival, rooted in ecological balance, communal harmony, and collective participation, has preserved folk songs, rituals, and oral traditions for generations.
New Jobs and Strengthened Department Infrastructure
The secretary also announced that the government will soon begin the recruitment process for 244 newly created positions within the arts and culture sector. These include 38 posts under the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation, 25 posts under departmental restructuring and cadre strengthening, 139 positions under the expansion of the Directorate of Museums, and 42 posts for the management of the newly established Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial in Vaishali.
Bihar’s government is actively promoting the state as an emerging hub for film production while simultaneously preserving its cultural heritage. The combination of infrastructure projects, welfare schemes for artists, and strategic initiatives such as the Film City and UNESCO recognition of Chhath Mahaparv positions Bihar as a center for both creative innovation and cultural continuity.
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