The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a single-window 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 PTI.
The move is aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining multiple permissions from different government departments, which event organisers currently describe as lengthy and cumbersome.
DGIPR appointed nodal agency for new clearance system
The state government has appointed the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) as the nodal agency for implementing the proposed system.
Principal Secretary Brijesh Singh, who heads the department, chaired the first meeting of the state-level committee on Friday and asked all concerned departments to submit suggestions for drafting a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for event approvals, reported PTI.
Officials said the proposed mechanism is expected to create a more coordinated and transparent approval framework for the live entertainment industry in Maharashtra.
Event organisers currently need multiple permissions
At present, organisers of concerts, festivals and other large-scale 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 PTI.
According to officials, the process often leads to delays because approvals are handled independently by different departments, each with its own documentation requirements and timelines.
Singh said the proposed single-window system would reduce paperwork, improve coordination among departments and shorten the overall approval timeline for organisers, reported PTI.
“The new system will reduce the time, procedures and documentation involved and bring greater coordination to the entire process,” he said during the meeting.
Dedicated online portal also in the works
Apart from the single-window clearance mechanism, the Maharashtra government is also planning to develop a dedicated online portal for permissions related to live events and concerts, reported PTI.
Officials said the portal is intended to make the approval process more efficient by enabling organisers to submit applications, upload documents and track approvals digitally.
The state government is currently working on preparing its own SOP by adapting the model framework issued by the Centre for promoting the live entertainment economy.
Centre’s model SOP to guide Maharashtra framework
According to an official statement, Maharashtra will modify the Centre’s Model Executive Order for live event clearances to suit local administrative requirements while keeping the process industry-friendly, reported PTI.
The proposed framework is expected to coordinate permissions and planning for concerts and large-scale entertainment events through a unified process.
Officials believe the initiative could help strengthen Maharashtra’s position as a major destination for concerts, cultural festivals and entertainment events, reported PTI.
Government expects boost to tourism and employment
The state government said the initiative is expected to benefit not only the entertainment industry but also tourism and related sectors.
Officials noted that large-scale concerts and live events generate economic activity through hospitality, transport, local businesses and temporary employment opportunities.
The 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 sector.
(With inputs from PTI)
