Guwahati, Mar 6 (UNI) The Government of Assam will provide financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh for reopening of cinema halls in the state, while Rs 25 lakh will be provided to cinema halls which need repairing of its building for creating a good viewing ambience. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this while speaking at the closing ceremony of ‘Chalachitram’, a heritage short film competition organised by Chalachitram in association with Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, and Directorate of Film Festival, Delhi government, here last evening. Stating that cinema reflects the philosophy of life, reality and expectations of the society and plays an important role in transforming society, Mr Sonowal recalled the contributions of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla and Bhabendra Nath Saikia, and contemporaries Jahnu Baruah and Manju Bora in taking the Assamese cinema forward. Admitting that the cinema industry in Assam is plagued with various problems at the moment, he said the government is preparing a roadmap to strengthen its infrastructure to give it a major fillip and also urged the film fraternity to guide the Government on the initiatives required to be taken for ameliorating its present condition. Mr Sonowal called upon the film makers of the state to highlight the contributions of the legendary personalities of Assam to carry a message to the society. The chief minister also distributed prizes of the short film competition titled ‘Our heritage, our pride’ in the programme. ‘Pride of Assam’ bagged the best short film award in this competition. He also released a souvenir published to mark the occasion. Director, Directorate of Film festivals, Govt. of India Senthil Rajan, eminent film makers Vijaya Jena, Manju Bora, Commissioner and Secretary, Cultural Affairs Department, Govt. of Assam, Preetom Saikia, Secretary of Chalachitram Bhagawat Pritam were present, among others, in the programme. UNI SG RN 1500