In blow to Delhi Police, revenue department gets power to grant licences to cinema halls, theatres
According to an official from the L-G's office, the move is aimed at further liberalising the licensing regime and promoting ease of doing business in Delhi.
'A committee headed by the DM (district magistrate)/DC (deputy commissioner) will have the authority to grant licences under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The committee comprising five officers will make recommendations for grant of such licences,' the official said.
The committee will comprise the deputy commissioner of the respective Municipal Corporation of Delhi zone, a structural engineering or building expert nominated by the public works department secretary, a fire safety expert nominated by the chief fire officer of the Delhi Fire Service, an electrical system expert nominated by the secretary of the power department, and a representative of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to be nominated by the DC, the official added.
The move follows a recent decision wherein the powers of issuing licences for seven business categories—swimming pools, eateries, hotels, guest houses, discotheques, videogame parlours, amusement parks and auditoriums—were withdrawn from the Delhi Police.
The Delhi Police now has the power to issue licences regarding arms, ammunition and explosives.
'The objective is to ease the licensing processes and create a conducive business atmosphere sans red tape in Delhi,' the official further said.
The L-G has issued directions to the police commissioner to direct officials concerned to refrain from dealing with matters related to the grant of licences under the Cinematograph Act, with immediate effect, he said.
In a statement last month, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had said the reforms were in line with the Centre's vision of 'Maximum Governance-Minimum Government' and 'Ease of Doing Business'.
'Union Home Minister Amit Shah has clearly stated that the police force should be relieved from non-core duties so that their energy and resources can be focused on law and order, security, and crime control,' Gupta had said.
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