Maharashtra govt to introduce single-window clearance system for live events, concerts

The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a singlewindow clearance system for permissions related to concerts live shows and large public events in an effort to streamline approvals and reduce delays for organisers reported PTIThe move is aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining multiple permissions from different government departments which event organisers currently describe as lengthy and cumbersomeDGIPR appointed nodal agency for new clearance systemThe state government has appointed the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations DGIPR as the nodal agency for implementing the proposed systemPrincipal Secretary Brijesh Singh who heads the department chaired the first meeting of the statelevel committee on Friday and asked all concerned departments to submit suggestions for drafting a detailed standard operating procedure SOP for event approvals reported PTIOfficials said the proposed mechanism is expected to create a more coordinated and transparent approval framework for the live entertainment industry in MaharashtraEvent organisers currently need multiple permissionsAt present organisers of concerts festivals and other largescale public events are required to seek approvals separately from multiple agencies including the police municipal corporations fire brigade authorities electricity departments and revenue officials reported PTIAccording to officials the process often leads to delays because approvals are handled independently by different departments each with its own documentation requirements and timelinesSingh said the proposed singlewindow system would reduce paperwork improve coordination among departments and shorten the overall approval timeline for organisers reported PTIldquoThe new system will reduce the time procedures and documentation involved and bring greater coordination to the entire processrdquo he said during the meetingDedicated online portal also in the worksApart from the singlewindow clearance mechanism the Maharashtra government is also planning to develop a dedicated online portal for permissions related to live events and concerts reported PTIOfficials said the portal is intended to make the approval process more efficient by enabling organisers to submit applications upload documents and track approvals digitallyThe state government is currently working on preparing its own SOP by adapting the model framework issued by the Centre for promoting the live entertainment economyCentrersquos model SOP to guide Maharashtra frameworkAccording to an official statement Maharashtra will modify the Centrersquos Model Executive Order for live event clearances to suit local administrative requirements while keeping the process industryfriendly reported PTIThe proposed framework is expected to coordinate permissions and planning for concerts and largescale entertainment events through a unified processOfficials believe the initiative could help strengthen Maharashtrarsquos position as a major destination for concerts cultural festivals and entertainment events reported PTIGovernment expects boost to tourism and employmentThe state government said the initiative is expected to benefit not only the entertainment industry but also tourism and related sectorsOfficials noted that largescale concerts and live events generate economic activity through hospitality transport local businesses and temporary employment opportunitiesThe government also expects the simplified approval system to encourage more national and international event organisers to host programmes in Maharashtra potentially increasing investment in the sectorWith inputs from PTI