Bihar Government demandsfor a film studio and establishment of DTH

New Delhi, Sept 18 (UNI) Bihar Government has demanded the setting up of a film production studio so that the local artists be encouraged and promoted, said the Information and Public Relation Secretary Vivek Kumar Singh here today.

Addressing the 26th Conference of Secretaries of Information and Cinematography of State Governments and Union Teritories here today Mr Singh said Bhojpuri films are getting popular nationwide and Bihar is the centre of Bhojpuri films.

He said the State Government is organising the Patna Film Festival at its own cost for the past two years and around 30,000 people have benefited from this each year. Scores of artists, directors, film critiques of name and fame had participated in these festivals.

He said the Patna Film Festival cannot be underestimated in comparison to the National Film Festivals and in view of these reasons, the Centre should extend all-round cooperation and help to the Bihar Government, he added.

Mr Singh explained that the State Government from time to time prepares programmes on national and international topics like Buddha kalchakra, Pitripaksh Mela and Sonepur Mela, but the Doordarshan kendra charges certain amount for its telecasting. These programmes are important for attracting tourists. Therefore, these telecasts should be free of cost and the timing of regional programmes should also be extended.

He said the licensing procedures should be made easy and speedy clearance should be granted. He demanded that the "Broadcast Engineering Consultant India Ltd (BECIL)" should be instructed for maximum technical cooperation for minimising the establishment cost of both the studio and the broadcast station.

He said that Bihar is contiguous to the international border and moreover, many parts of the State are affected with naxal activities. It thus becomes imperative to spread awareness for which maximum reach of television and radio centres is required in these areas. Direct To Home (DTH) should also be established in these regions. He further demanded that radio and TV sets should also be distributed free of cost in these areas, Mr Singh added.

UNI