Committee to devise single-window clearance for filmmakers

MUMBAI: Indian filmmakers have often pointed out how cumbersome procedures and red tapism make shooting in the country such a trial. Now heeding the old grouse of the industry, the Indian government has announced a plan to grant single-window clearance to filmmakers. 

Union minister for information and broadcasting Manish Tewari said this while addressing the 'Cinemascape 2013' conclave in Mumbai on Saturday. 

However, it will be a while before the final blueprint is in place. The minister announced the setting up of a committee on the promotion and facilitation of film production. It will be chaired by the secretary, I&B, with senior representatives from various ministries like external affairs, home, tourism, culture, railways, civil aviation, defence and the department of revenue. State governments have been asked to nominate nodal officers for film clearance. The team will devise standard operating procedures to give clearances to domestic and foreign producers. 

Producer Mukesh Bhatt pointed out how 76 different permissions have to obtained to shoot in India. On the other hand, Indian producers are given a red carpet welcome by cine-tourism nations like Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Bhatt said this is a welcome first step. 

Tewari admitted that although India has the most diverse topography and locations for filming, it loses revenue by default. "The current system of multiple clearances makes India an unattractive destination for filming. Increasingly, our filmmakers gravitate towards foreign destinations for outdoor shoots. This lost opportunity is a revenue loss for the country," he said.
-The Times Of India.