Now, single-window clearance for filmmakers

The ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) on Monday said it had set up an inter-ministerial committee for 'Promotion and facilitation of film production in India'. It is to serve as a 'single window' clearance for film makers needing permission from different agencies in the government for filming of feature films, short films and TV programmes.

"The constitution of the committee is expected to mainstream a proactive mechanism and coordination process of granting permissions through a single window provision," according to the ministry. It will be chaired by the secretary of the information ministry and include joint secretary-level officers from the ministries of home, tourism, external affairs, culture, railways, civil aviation and defence.

The secretariat for the panel would be provided by the information ministry. The ministry has said the panel's mandate would be two-fold. It will 'facilitate granting of permissions for both foreign as well as domestic producers from relevant authorities of central and state governments'.

It would also meet regularly to monitor the facilitation process and issue directions to the authorities concerned.