Indian Government Aims to Double Live Events Sector by 2030, Emphasizes Single-Window Clearance System
The 5th meeting of the Live Events Development Cell reviewed a 44% growth in the sector and set a goal to double its size by 2030.
Mr. Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, announced during the 5th meeting of the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) that India's live events sector has recorded a 44 percent growth over the past year. Approximately 34,000 events were organized across the country, supporting the livelihoods of over one crore people. The government has set a target to double this sector by 2030, which is expected to create between 1.5 to 2 crore direct and allied employment opportunities.
During the meeting, the implementation of a single-window clearance system for the live events industry via the 'India Cine Hub' (ICH) portal was reviewed. States and Union Territories have been urged to integrate their departmental and local licensing systems with this portal and operate the entire process as a time-bound public service. So far, five states have adopted the 'Model Executive Order, 2026 for Streamlining Licenses and Permissions for Live Events in India,' with the state of Maharashtra delivering a presentation on its implementation.
The LEDC currently includes 14 central ministries, 10 states and Union Territories, and 21 industry bodies. The number of states with nodal officers has increased from 16 to 29. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs has simplified FRRO registration requirements for the short-term stay of foreign artists.
The meeting also discussed next-generation reforms, including a single national music licensing arrangement, entertainment zones notified under the Noise Pollution Rules 2000, and proposals to relax foreign remittance limits for the payment of international artists. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for organizing events on their properties to ensure organizers do not have to seek permission repeatedly.
Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the inclusion of live entertainment skills in the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and efforts by the Ministry of Tourism to promote India as a global hub for event-based tourism. It is proposed that inclusive guidelines for the safety of women and persons with disabilities, along with 'Green Concert Protocols,' be launched in collaboration with the industry during 'WAVES 2027'.
