Meghalaya Approves New Film Tourism Policy for 2025

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025, along with the discontinuation of interviews for Group D posts in state recruitment. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

The new policy aims to establish Meghalaya as a leading filmmaking destination in the northeast. It is designed to attract both national and international productions, offer incentives to local filmmakers, and enhance infrastructure, as recognised by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.

The policy, which was released three months ago and finalised after incorporating over 200 suggestions from industry stakeholders, offers subsidy support of up to Rs one crore or 25 per cent of the total production costs for films made in major national and international languages, provided at least 75 per cent of the shoot occurs outdoors in Meghalaya.

Local films in Khasi, Pnar, and Garo will be eligible for a subsidy of Rs 50 lakh, available once every two years. Additional support will be available for the production of TV serials, web series, and original programmes for the state-run Hello Meghalaya App, which is the country’s only government-funded OTT platform.

Grants will also be accessible for documentaries and short films, alongside the creation of a much-anticipated government-operated film studio.

“This is a milestone initiative to promote our landscapes, generate employment opportunities, and bolster local content,” Lyngdoh stated.

A dedicated film facilitation cell will be established to coordinate efforts across various departments, including Tourism, Arts & Culture, and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), to ensure smooth implementation.