Government Begins Discussions on Live Event and Concert Economy
The inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) aimed at promoting India’s live events industry took place on September 26 at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. Chaired by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the meeting gathered key stakeholders from various government ministries and industry associations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously underscored the immense potential of the live entertainment sector, which is seen as a vital contributor to employment, investment, and tourism in India. The JWG, established in July 2025, is tasked with shaping the future of India’s concert economy.
Key Participants and Objectives
The first meeting of the JWG saw participation from representatives across multiple ministries, including Information & Broadcasting, Culture, Youth Affairs & Sports, and Finance. Officials from several state governments, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, also attended. Industry associations such as EEMA, FICCI, CII, and ILEA were present, along with major stakeholders like BookMyShow, Wizcraft, and Saregama. The diverse representation aims to foster collaboration in developing a robust framework for the live events sector.
The JWG’s primary objective is to harness the potential of India’s live entertainment market, which is currently valued at ₹20,861 crore and growing at an annual rate of 15%. The group aims to create a conducive environment for live events by addressing regulatory challenges and promoting infrastructure development. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of making India one of the top five global destinations for live entertainment by 2030.
Strategic Initiatives and Outcomes
During the meeting, several strategic initiatives were proposed to enhance the live events industry. One of the key outcomes is the establishment of a Single Window Platform, which will integrate live event clearances into the India Cine Hub Portal. This initiative aims to streamline the process for event organizers, making it easier to navigate regulatory requirements.
Additionally, the JWG plans to launch a Centralized Digital Music Licensing Registry by October 2025, in collaboration with rights societies. This registry will simplify the licensing process for music used in live events, thereby encouraging more performances. Infrastructure development is also a priority, with plans to create a model policy that allows for the multi-use of stadiums and public spaces for live events.
Furthermore, the JWG is focusing on skill development by including live entertainment skills in the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Financial incentives, such as GST rebates and subsidies, are also under consideration to support the growth of the live entertainment sector.
Future Prospects and Economic Impact
The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming India into a global hub for live entertainment. The JWG aims to generate between 15 to 20 million jobs in the sector, significantly contributing to infrastructure development and enhancing India’s cultural influence worldwide.
India’s live entertainment market is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing demand in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities and a surge in music tourism. The JWG will meet periodically to monitor progress and present consolidated policy recommendations, building on the White Paper titled “India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative,” which was introduced at the WAVES 2025 Summit. The collaborative efforts of the JWG and its stakeholders are expected to position India as a leader in the global live events industry, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
