Will give single-window clearance for events in city: Kejriwal

New Delhi, Apr 13: Saying that he wants to make Delhi the "best destination" for entertainment events, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that his government would bring in a "single-window system" for granting clearance to shows and performances.

"I will talk to the different departments concerned to chalk out a plan to make the process (of obtaining permits) smooth," he told a delegation of the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) at Delhi Secretariat.

"We want to make Delhi the best destination for events. We will simplify the processes and create a single window system for clearances from the state government arms," Kejriwal said.

The delegation told Kejriwal that they were facing red tape in getting permissions and licences to hold events in Delhi and, thus, most of these were getting shifted to either Gurgaon or Noida.

"Due to stringent licensing process in Delhi, most of the big concerts, including international acts, are being held in Gurgaon and Noida. No big show/concert was recently held in the city. We requested (the chief minister) to make Delhi the most event-friendly city," said EEMA Treasurer, Rajeev Jain.

Highlighted the issue of corruption faced while organising an event, he said, "We face corruption at several steps while conducting any event. To hold an event in Delhi we have to give 20 to 30 per cent of passes free for VIP entry."

Assuring the delegation that he would check the corruption in the grating of clearances, Kejriwal said, "We will ensure that no bribe is taken from you for the events you conduct. Delhi government doesn't want any passes for the events."

He will buy tickets if he has to attend any concert, Kejriwal told the EEMA delegation.

The delegation was asked to make a detailed presentation on the issues and suggestions with the Delhi government saying it would take those up with all the agencies concerned.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The delegation comprised of members from Delhi and Mumbai.

PTI