No more chasing files in offices: Chandigarh Admn goes online for festive permissions

In what appears to be a shift towards citizen-centric governance, the Chandigarh Administration has for the first time digitised the permission process for major festive events, ensuring faster, transparent and hassle-free approvals.

This year, 76 Ramlila stages across the city received permission entirely through an online system. Approvals, which earlier dragged on through multiple departments, were cleared within just seven days. The breakthrough was made possible by introducing a “deemed approval” clause: if any department failed to raise objections within the stipulated time, it was presumed to have none.

Officials say this measure eliminated needless delays and allowed organising committees to focus on stage setups, rehearsals, community participation and safety measures, instead of chasing files from one office to another.

The reform marks Ramlila and Dassehra permissions in the city having been granted digitally for the first time. 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 Ramlila at 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. More than 4,000 applicants filed for licences, and 96 were allotted designated vending sites across the city in an online draw of lots. Successful applicants are being issued licences well in advance, giving traders the certainty to procure stocks and business plans for the festive rush.

Amit Singla, one of the successful applicants, said: “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.”

But not everyone walked away happy. Raman Kumar, who lost out in the draw, admitted the process was at least cleaner and faster. “It is good that allotments were made much in advance this year, unlike previous years when we used to wait till the last moment in uncertainty.”

Officials underline that both reforms are not merely procedural shortcuts but part of a broader governance philosophy. By cutting procedural bottlenecks, they argue, the Administration is providing a model for how digital systems can ensure cultural, religious and business activities continue without friction.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the initiatives mark another leap towards building a “Digital Chandigarh.” “The Administration is committed to reducing procedural hurdles and providing timely and transparent services to citizens. By digitising permission systems for festive events and trade activities, we aim to promote ease of doing business and support cultural traditions with efficiency and responsibility.”

From reducing red tape to empowering organisers and traders, the digital leap ensures smoother, safer, and more joyful celebrations. Officials add that structured and time-bound approvals had set a new benchmark in governance, one that other states could follow as festive season approached.

"The move reflects the Administration’s resolve to combine ease of doing business with preservation of traditions. By digitising permission systems for festive events and trade activities, we aim to promote transparency and efficiency," said Nishant Kumar Yadav, Chandigarh DC.