Sri Vijaya Puram, May 30: In a move aimed at addressing procedural bottlenecks in organising public events and improving the ease of doing business, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has issued the “Executive Order for Streamlining Licensing and Permissions for Live Events in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 2026”, introducing a single-window system for obtaining approvals required for live events across the Union Territory.
The new framework seeks to facilitate the organisation of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, sporting events, conferences, cultural programmes and similar public gatherings by creating a transparent, time-bound and streamlined approval mechanism. The Administration has framed the order in line with the “Model Executive Order for Streamlining Licensing and Permissions for Live Events in India, 2026” issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
At the centre of the reform is the introduction of a Single Window Clearance System (SWCS), an online platform through which event organisers can apply for all required permissions under one process. The system covers approvals from multiple departments and agencies, including Police, Traffic, Fire Safety, Electrical Safety, Municipal authorities and Excise authorities.
The Administration stated that the framework has been designed to reduce procedural delays, improve coordination among departments and make the approval process more accountable and predictable for organisers. By consolidating permissions into a single digital platform, the system aims to simplify administrative procedures that previously required engagement with multiple authorities.
A key provision of the Executive Order is the introduction of fixed timelines for processing applications. Applications submitted through the SWCS will ordinarily be processed within ten days. For urgent requirements, applications submitted under the Tatkal category will be processed within two days, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions and requirements.
The framework also incorporates several digital governance measures intended to improve transparency and efficiency. These include real-time tracking of applications, digital payment facilities, online communication of deficiencies and transparent monitoring of approval status throughout the process.
To further facilitate event management, the Administration has provided for pre-approved venues, empanelled ticketing partners, standardised licensing conditions and coordinated inspections. These measures are intended to support the smooth conduct of events while ensuring compliance with public safety requirements, including traffic regulation, fire safety standards, sanitation measures and electrical safety norms.
The Administration expects the initiative to strengthen event tourism in the Islands by making it easier for organisers to host cultural, entertainment and sporting events. The framework is also expected to encourage national and international event organisers to consider the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a venue for large-scale programmes and public events.
Officials noted that the streamlined approval system could create opportunities for local artists, entrepreneurs, tourism stakeholders, hospitality businesses and allied service providers. The Administration believes that increased event activity could contribute to employment generation and broader economic growth across the Islands.
The Executive Order forms part of the Administration’s broader effort to promote a vibrant cultural and entertainment ecosystem while maintaining public safety, transparency and efficient governance through citizen-centric digital systems.
