CM Yogi announces plan to introduce grant scheme for re-opening closed cinema halls across UP.

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced plans to introduce a grant scheme aimed at revitalizing closed cinema halls, constructing multiplexes in districts lacking such facilities, and building new single-screen theaters. During a meeting with State Tax Department officials on Thursday, the Chief Minister highlighted the significant role cinema plays in public entertainment.

He pointed out that with evolving technology, many of the state’s old single-screen theaters have either shut down or are struggling financially. “The state government should bring forth an incentive scheme to revive these cinema halls,” CM Yogi stated. “This initiative will not only ensure easy access to entertainment for the public but also boost investment and generate employment.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that the scheme should incentivize investors to develop commercial complexes and small-capacity theaters on the sites of closed or operational cinemas, reopen closed theaters, and build new single-screen theaters for both commercial and non-commercial activities. 

He suggested adopting a practical approach to relax the minimum seat requirements for cinema halls to create favorable opportunities for investors.

The Chief Minister said that in today’s times, the culture of multiplex cinemas has grown rapidly. “Currently, there are no multiplexes in 39 districts of the state, and 10 districts do not have any single-screen or multiplex cinemas. The new plan should include provisions to encourage investors to build multiplexes”, he stated.

He recommended incentive such as grants like other investment promotion programs for the project. In districts that already have multiplexes, if new investors want to build more, they should also receive grants, he added. 

The Chief Minister instructed the State Tax Department to quickly prepare an incentive plan by talking with investors and other stakeholders in this sector.