MARGAO: Responding to concerns raised by Carnival khell-tiatr directors and producers, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira clarified that no license application or payment for sound permission with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) is required if the crowd at the venue scheduled for the plays is less than 50.
Minister Sequeira emphasised that the rule mandates producers to apply for a licence and pay fees only when the audience exceeds 50. “This should not be assumed as the rule for tiatr presentation, where the crowd is often in the hundreds or thousands. Tiatr has a large audience, and organisers are required to pay for staging these shows,” stated the Minister. Khell-tiatr directors, had expressed frustration over the rule that mandated them to apply for a licence and pay Rs 3,000 in fees after every show, at each venue. The directors had met with the Minister, seeking relaxation on these requirements.
Sequeira addressed the issue, stating, “As per the rule, directors have to apply for sound permission and pay the mentioned amount. However, the rule also specifies that at locations where the crowd is less than 50, there is no need to apply for a licence, and no payment is required. I have witnessed khell-tiatr performances in Carnival festivals, and many times the audience is less than 50.”
