New Delhi, Mar 28 (IANS): Gujarat was on Monday named the Most Film-Friendly State at the 63rd National Film Awards here.

Senthil Rajan, director, Directorate of Film Festivals, announced the award at the National Media Centre here.

This is the first time that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has bestowed this award in order to promote film tourism in states.

"We had 16 entries from different states, and this is a major step by the Indian government to promote film tourism in the states because this sort of an award will enthuse the states.

"We chose Gujarat primarily because of the efforts in the direction of ease of doing business and facilitation of films and towards the promotion of Indian cinema," Rajan said.

A special mention was also given to Uttar Pradesh for its single window clearance efforts and incentives offered by the government, and to Kerala.

Apart from Rajan, the jury for choosing the Most Film-Friendly State were Sudhir Mishra, Bharat Bala and Pravesh Sahani.