Kathmandu, April 17
The Council of Ministers has approved the draft of a new film bill to be presented in the federal parliament, aimed at revising and consolidating existing laws governing the film industry.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced the decision during a press briefing held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday.
The proposed bill, drafted by the Film Development Board, includes key reforms such as restructuring the board’s composition to include five members, two of whom must be women, and removing representation from the Ministry of Finance.
The bill proposes granting the board authority to impose fines up to Rs 1 million and shut down theaters violating regulations, replacing the previous system where Chief District Officers held that power.
Under the new framework, local governments will issue theater construction permits, the board will set construction standards, and provincial governments will oversee implementation. Provinces will also regulate ticket pricing and film categorization.
The bill includes new provisions for establishing a Film Training Institute and integrating film production, distribution, and exhibition guidelines into law, instead of keeping them in separate regulations.
Board chair Dinesh DC, who has prioritized the legislation since his appointment, has pledged not to travel abroad for six months to focus on its advancement.
