Govt. fast-tracks film shooting clearance

Mumbai: The State government has started a one-window system under its ease of doing business campaign to ensure all permissions for shooting offi lms, television serials, advertisements, and documentaries are given within a week under the Right to Service Act.

An officer failing to dispose of the application within seven days would mean de-facto grant of permission, and the officials will be liable to explain the delay under the Right to Service Act. The State Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the decision to set up the system, currently for Mumbai and Mumbai (Suburban) and eventually the rest of the State.

“Maharashtra sees the production of a number of films, television serials, advertisements and documentaries. Many a time, the shooting requires government property and the producer has to approach several departments seeking permission to shoot. We have brought all these departments under one window to ensure speedy delivery of permissions,” said an official from the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited.

The locations on the list include Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Sewri Fort, the Kala Ghoda parking lot, Bandra skywalk, Hutatma Chowk, Flora Fountain, Churchgate station, Aksa beach, Queen’s Necklace, Virar railway car shed, Kandivali car shed, Girgaum Chowpatty, Bandra Fort, Elephanta Caves, Kamala Nehru Park and Wilson College. According to the official, the producer will only have to apply for the permission online on www.maharashtrafilmcell. com and a reply will be given within seven days. Once the approval is given, the application cannot be cancelled.