New Delhi: If you wish to obtain a cinema license, you will no longer need to make rounds of various government offices. You can now easily secure a cinema hall license without the hassle of obtaining separate No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The Delhi government has completely abolished the complex process of obtaining NOCs from multiple departments for cinema licenses. Instead, an integrated online system with a fixed timeframe has been introduced.
Under this system, a district-level committee will make the final decision, and the concerned departments will conduct joint inspections. This is considered a major decision by the Delhi government, which could lead to a rapid increase in the number of cinema halls in the capital. Previously, completing this process required visiting various departments, which was time-consuming.
Where is permission required?
A Delhi official stated that under the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), cinema hall and multiplex operators will no longer need to seek separate approvals from various departments such as the Fire Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board, and the Health Department to obtain a cinematograph license. The application process has also been simplified to ensure a hassle-free experience.
How to apply?
The application process for cinema halls has been streamlined. Applicants can now apply online via the e-District Delhi portal. Fees can also be paid online. Once the inspection is completed, the license can be obtained easily. The objective of this system is to eliminate paperwork and the inconvenience of visiting multiple government offices.
Two committees constituted
Two committees have been constituted under the Delhi government’s new system. The District Inspection Committee will conduct a joint inspection of the cinema hall, while the District Licensing Committee will review the inspection report and make the final decision regarding the issuance of the license.
Which officials will be involved?
The District Licensing Committee (DLC) will be led by the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue)/District Magistrate. This committee will include senior officials from relevant departments, such as the Delhi Police, Fire Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board, and the district medical administration. System to bring all departments together
For information, the District Inspection Committee (DIC) chaired by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate will coordinate bringing officials from relevant departments together for joint inspections. Instead of requiring applicants to procure various No Objection Certificates (NOCs), the committee will prepare a single, e-signed verification report linked to the site’s geographical location.
