The live events industry in India is poised for a significant boost with the upcoming launch of a single-window digital portal designed to streamline the clearance process for event organizers. This initiative, spearheaded by the information and broadcasting ministry, aims to simplify and expedite the often-cumbersome procedures required to host live events, from music concerts and cultural performances to festivals and theatrical productions.
The portal, expected to be operational by the end of October 2025, will offer end-to-end digital facilitation, allowing organizers to check venue availability and seating capacities, verify pre-cleared licenses, and understand applicable tariffs. The goal is to eliminate redundant permissions and overlapping approvals that have historically caused delays in event organization. Clearances are expected to be granted within 15 days through the new portal.
This development comes at a time when the live events industry is experiencing substantial growth. Valued at over Rs 20,800 crore in FY25, the sector grew by 15% in the past year and is projected to double by 2030. A white paper, titled 'India's Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative', released earlier this year at the WAVES-2025 summit, suggests that the sector has the potential to generate 15-20 million direct and indirect jobs by 2030, across various roles in logistics, hospitality, event management, performance, and technical services.
The single-window portal is a result of collaborative efforts under the Live Events Development Cell, which includes central ministries, nine state governments, leading industry associations, and stakeholders. This collaborative framework aims to streamline permissions, promote creative employment, and establish India as a global live entertainment hub. A model framework is also being prepared to serve as a citizen charter, outlining time-bound clearances and grievance redressal mechanisms.
The initiative is not limited to the central government. The Delhi government, for example, has also been actively working to boost its live entertainment sector. The government has reduced tariff rates for major stadiums and is upgrading facilities to international standards. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Delhi Government's Department of Art, Culture and Tourism and BookMyShow Live, with the goal of adding at least INR 3,000 crore to Delhi's economy through Live Entertainment and the Concert Economy over the next two financial years. Policy reforms, environmental clearances, and the removal of VIP culture are also part of the plan. Over 30 major cultural events are planned in Delhi over the next 80 days.
The National Single Window System (NSWS) is a broader digital platform that guides investors in identifying and applying for necessary business approvals. It includes guidance for 32 central departments and 35 states, hosting applications for approvals from these entities. Similarly, PARIVESH is a web-based application for online submission and monitoring of proposals seeking environment, forest, wildlife, and CRZ clearances.
