Zomato, BookMyShow join I&B Ministry to boost live events industry

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting convened the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on promotion of India’s live events industry at the National Media Centre on Friday.

The JWG, set up in July 2025, brings together central and state government representatives, industry associations, music rights societies, and leading event companies to shape what is being described as India’s emerging “concert economy.”

The first meeting saw participation from key ministry of information and broadcasting, ministry of culture, youth affairs and sports, ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship, minstry of finance, and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), along with the Sports Authority of India (SAI). State representatives from Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka were also present.

Industry stakeholders included associations such as EEMA, FICCI, CII, and ILEA, as well as leading players like BookMyShow, Wizcraft, Saregama, District by Zomato, and Touchwood Entertainment Ltd.. Representatives from music rights bodies including IPRS, PPL, RMPL, and IMI Trust also participated.

Key decisions

• Single-Window Platform: Live event permissions to be integrated into the India Cine Hub portal.
• Music Licensing: A Centralised Digital Music Licensing Registry to be launched by October 2025.
• Infrastructure: Model policy for multi-use of stadiums and public spaces, along with promotion of greenfield venue development.
• Skills: Live entertainment skills to be included in the National Skills Qualification Framework.
• Financial Incentives: GST rebates, blended finance models, subsidies, and MSME recognition under consideration.

Addressing the meeting, the I&B secretary Sanjay Jaju said the government is committed to positioning India among the world’s top five live entertainment destinations by 2030. He projected the sector could generate 15–20 million jobs, expand infrastructure, and enhance India’s cultural soft power.

India’s live entertainment industry, valued at Rs 20,861 crore in 2024 and growing at 15% annually, is one of the fastest-expanding segments of the media and entertainment sector. With growing demand in Tier-I and Tier-II cities, a surge in music tourism, and rising premium experiences, the sector is poised to become a critical pillar of India’s creative economy.

The JWG will meet regularly to track progress across sub-groups and present consolidated policy recommendations, building on the white paper ‘India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative’, unveiled at the WAVES 2025 Summit.