In recent months, the Chandigarh government, particularly the Chandigarh Police, has faced criticism over the organization of music shows by popular singers. Diljit Dosanjh recently remarked on stage about the lack of a structured system or government guidelines for live performances in India. Earlier this year, Satinder Sartaaj’s team wrote a letter to the Chandigarh Police DGP and senior officials regarding police misbehaviour at their event but received no response. Similarly, Karan Aujla was fined over ₹1 crore by the Chandigarh Administration for allegedly promoting his show without obtaining the necessary permits in advance.
Sources reveal that many departments wait to issue permits until the last moment to pressure organizers for free passes. Sartaaj’s team has also expressed frustration with the situation, stating he is unlikely to perform in Chandigarh again. Similar sentiments have been shared by the teams of Karan Aujla and Diljit Dosanjh.
Financial Contribution
Interestingly, international cities actively invite Punjabi singers to perform, recognising these shows’ economic benefits, such as increased tax revenue, job creation for local workers, and boosted business for hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. For example, Chandigarh is expected to collect over ₹2 crore in GST from Diljit Dosanjh’s show alone, while Satinder Sartaaj reportedly contributed ₹3.8 crore in GST last year through ticket sales on BookMyShow. Despite this, artists often face a lack of cooperation at the local level. Diljit Dosanjh openly criticized this behaviour during his performance, while Sartaaj’s team praised the more supportive approach of Punjab’s DCs and SSPs.
One Window Policy
Satinder Sartaaj has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to create a more artist-friendly environment by introducing a streamlined, “one-window” system. This system would allow artists to submit a single application, with the government handling the rest of the process. Notably, Sartaaj pioneered ticketed shows in Punjab, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages women and children to attend concerts—transforming a culture where live Punjabi music was previously confined to weddings, fairs, or kabaddi matches with less welcoming environments.
