India To Launch Single-Window Digital Portal For Live Events; Approvals Within 15 Days

India is set to introduce a single-window digital system to streamline approvals for live shows and cultural festivals, targeting a faster and more efficient clearance process within 15 days. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and developed by the newly formed Live Events Development Cell, aims to support the country's rapidly expanding ₹20,800 crore live entertainment industry while generating millions of jobs.

According to a Times of India report, the government's plan involves launching a centralized online portal where event organisers can access venue information, review capacity limits, verify pre-cleared licences, and secure necessary permissions - all through one platform. The decision was finalised at a recent meeting of the joint working group, now officially named the Live Events Development Cell. The cell includes officials from multiple central ministries, nine state governments, and key industry representatives. The platform is expected to go live by the end of October.

The move comes as India's live entertainment market continues to surge. Valued at around ₹20,800 crore in FY25, the sector recorded a 15% growth over the past year and is projected to double by 2030, as per the white paper *India's Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative*. The report also estimates that the industry could generate between 15 and 20 million direct and indirect jobs over the next five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously emphasized the importance of leveraging India's thriving youth-driven concert and festival culture. He cited large-scale performances such as Coldplay's concert in India as examples of how live events can serve as powerful platforms for cultural expression and economic growth.

By integrating multiple permissions into a single digital interface, the government hopes to make India a leading global hub for live entertainment and creative industries. The reform also aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and bring consistency to approval processes across states, providing organisers with a more transparent and time-bound system for hosting events.