No more chasing files: Chandigarh goes online for festive nods

The Chandigarh Administration has taken a significant step towards citizen-centric governance by digitising the permission process for major festive events, ensuring faster, more transparent, and hassle-free approvals. This year, 76 Ramleela stages across the city received permissions entirely through an online system, with approvals cleared within just seven days. A “deemed approval” clause was introduced, which presumes approval if any department fails to raise objections within the stipulated time.

This measure eliminated needless delays, allowing organising committees to focus on stage setups, rehearsals, community participation, and safety measures. The reform marks the first time that Ramleela and Dussehra permissions in the city have been granted fully digitally. Committees have hailed the move as a rare example of governance keeping pace with cultural traditions, ensuring smooth celebrations without compromising on accountability.

Dinesh Kumar, an organiser of Ramleela in Dhanas, said, “We were given the permission without chasing files or visiting offices, which saved us much time, energy, and botheration that we used to go through earlier.” The administration also streamlined the licensing process for the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, with over 4,000 applicants filing for licences. An online draw of lots allotted 96 designated vending sites across Chandigarh.

Amit Singla, one of the successful applicants, expressed relief: “I got lucky in the e-lottery to get a cracker stall much in advance. This has given me time to arrange stocks and make other preparations to cash in on the Diwali rush.”

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the initiatives mark another leap towards building a “Digital Chandigarh”, aiming to promote ease of doing business and support cultural traditions with efficiency and responsibility.

The digital leap ensures smoother, safer, and more joyful celebrations, setting a new benchmark in governance that other states could follow. With permissions digitised, committees are free to focus on cultural vibrancy, and traders are assured of timely licences, demonstrating how technology can enhance traditional celebrations.