Filmmakers in Mumbai and Maharashtra bogged down by a slew of shooting permissions can now breathe a sigh of relief. In a bid to cut red-tapism and delays, Maharashtra government will provide multiple permissions through a single window system to the makers of feature films, commercials, TV serials, documentaries, short films, music albums and corporate films.

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The government has created a 'Single Window Facilitation Cell' as an agency to facilitate all film shooting approvals in a fortnight in an integrated manner from a single location. A large number of approvals had prevented producers from shooting in the city and the state. The move is expected to correct this.

The Cell aims to provide a single interface for the producers for the complex, multi-agency arrangements. 

The state cabinet gave its nod for this initiative at its meeting held on Tuesday. "If there will be an inordinate delay and approval is not granted in a fortnight, it will be implied as granted, which is adequate to commence shooting. Erring officers will be punished under the Right to Services Act,'' a state government officer informed DNA.

Indian Films and TV Producers Council's co-chairman JD Majethia said that he hoped the government's move will eliminate the wastage of time as taking all permissions will be possible on one web portal.

"Producers can now plan outdoor shoots in the city which currently are not happening due to the procedural delays and the time consumed for the same. Further, the menace of middlemen can also be curbed," he noted.

City-based film and TV producer Nitin Vaidya said that at present, producers have to spend a longer time to get all necessary approvals for shooting outdoors in the city.

"The government's move will not only cut the time but also fix the corruption menace. The state government also needs to use its good offices with the Indian Railways to streamline the approval process and help reduce the exorbitant charges,'' he viewed.

SEPARATE AGENCY FOR COORDINATION

The government has appointed the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Ltd (MFSCDC) as a nodal agency to operate and facilitate the services of Single Window Online Booking System. It will facilitate the service and coordinate between the applicants and various other necessary parties including the government departments (stakeholders) and agencies