Single Window Permission for Vinayaka Mandapams in AP

Visakhapatnam:Andhra Pradesh government has launched a single window clearance app to simplify the process for individuals and organisations who wish to set up Vinayaka mandapams for the upcoming Vinayaka Chavithi festival. The initiative was officially launched by home minister Vangalapudi Anitha on Thursday in Visakhapatnam.

Speaking at the launch, the home minister emphasised that permits for the festival can now be obtained through a mobile app, which will be available from tomorrow. Once the festival-related details are entered into the app, officials from all relevant departments will review the information and grant the clearance, she said. The minister emphasised that there would be no compromise on safety during the Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations and urged the people to ensure that the festivities do not cause any inconvenience to the surrounding communities.

“Earlier, people had to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire, Municipal, Electricity and Police Departments to set up the mandapams. With the new single window clearance app, people can now send a message "Hi" via WhatsApp to the mobile number 7995095800, and further process will ensue and the NOC will be sent to their mobile phone,” the home minister explained.

Here are the steps of the NOC issuance process. The application goes to the SHO of the concerned police station. Under the supervision of the SHO, a team formed with the staff of Municipal, Fire and Electricity Departments will visit the mandapam, inspect the arrangements, they will issue an NOC with a QR code if they find them satisfactory and give the details of the fee required for permission. If people pay the fee at their nearest Mee Seva Kendra and upload the receipt on the website, the SHO will examine them and immediately issue a NOC document. The NOC documents shall be displayed at the mandapams. The police will scan the QR code during the visit and check.