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Leh, October 9, 2026: Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a meeting to deliberate on the proposed Film Policy of the Union Territory of Ladakh, focusing on establishing a streamlined single-window clearance mechanism, promoting local filmmakers and indigenous cinema, developing common film-production facilities, and positioning Ladakh as a major destination for film shooting and film tourism.
During the meeting, Secretary, SIDCO, Himanshu Gupta, provided an overview of the proposed single-window clearance mechanism for film production. The Chief Secretary emphasised the need to develop a dedicated online portal through SIDCO, establish clear timelines for approvals and ensure a coordinated, time-bound process to facilitate film shoots across Ladakh.
Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, highlighted the potential of cinema to promote Ladakh’s culture, landscapes and tourism, drawing attention to the region’s growing visibility. He stressed the importance of learning from film policies adopted by other states, particularly Himalayan regions, while developing a policy suited to Ladakh’s unique geography, culture and tourism potential.
The Chief Secretary emphasised the need to consult local filmmakers and the film fraternity to understand their requirements and identify practical measures to support filmmaking in Ladakh.
The meeting discussed the possibility of establishing a common film facility equipped with essential production and post-production infrastructure, including filming equipment and dubbing facilities, which could be made available to filmmakers on a rental basis. The need to identify a suitable location and develop a sustainable operational model for such a facility was also highlighted.
The meeting further deliberated on organising a Himalayan film festival to showcase local and regional cinema, promote Ladakhi filmmakers and provide a platform for filmmakers from neighbouring Himalayan regions, including Nepal and Bhutan.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need to begin preparations well in advance for the proposed festival, including identifying its theme, format, timeline and implementation arrangements. Discussions also covered local film screenings, outdoor screenings, documentaries on sustainability and wildlife, animation, and opportunities to highlight Ladakh’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage through cinema.
Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Shri Sanjeet Rodrigues, offered suggestions on promoting local cinema, supporting the regional film fraternity, facilitating film shoots through a single-window mechanism and exploring suitable schemes for local producers. The meeting also discussed incentives for film production, possible support for equipment procurement, location-based facilitation, winter filming opportunities and the role of the Ladakh Film Society in strengthening the local film ecosystem.
The Chief Secretary called for further consultations with filmmakers and other stakeholders to develop a practical and comprehensive policy framework. He emphasised that the proposed initiatives should facilitate film production, encourage local talent, create opportunities for the youth and strengthen Ladakh’s identity as a film and tourism destination.
The meeting was attended by Shri Himanshu Gupta, Administrative Secretary and Managing Director, SIDCO; Shri Baser-ul-Haq Chaudhary, Secretary, Information and Public Relations; Shri Sanjeet Rodrigues, Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture; Shri Mohammad Taqi, Joint Director, Information and Public Relations; and other officers from the concerned departments.
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