Panel to act as single window clearance for film projects

To promote India as a global 'filming locale', the government today announced creation of an inter-ministerial panel that will work as a 'single window' clearance system for international and domestic film projects.
The committee, comprising officials from various ministries and authorities, will be headed by I&B Secretary Uday Kumar Varma and facilitate filmmakers seeking permission from different agencies in the government for filming of feature films, short films and TV programmes, a statement here said.
"The constitution of the committee is expected to mainstream a proactive mechanism and coordination process of granting permissions through a single window provision," it said.

In the past, as many as 30 agencies were involved for granting permission for film producers to shoot in India. Film makers had long demanded the setting up of a 'Film Commission' that would work as a one stop clearance system for film projects.
Apart from the I&B secretary, the committee will have joint secretaries from the ministries of I&B, Home Affairs, Tourism, External Affairs, Culture, Railways, Aviation and Defence on board.
Joint Secretary level officers from other ministries and empowered officers of the state government on a case to case basis, the statement said.
The Committee shall facilitate granting of permission for both foreign as well as domestic producers from relevant authorities of central and state governments and will monitor the progress of facilitation process to fast track clearances.

The Secretariat of the committee will be provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the statement said.