Maharashtra Government to Formulate Action Plan for Live Entertainment Sector
The Maharashtra state government is set to prepare a comprehensive action plan aimed at promoting and developing the live entertainment and concert economy within the state. This strategic move comes in response to the central government's establishment of a joint action group dedicated to fostering the growth of India's live entertainment industry on a national scale.
Nodal Agency and Central Initiative
The Directorate General of Information and Publicity Relations (DGIPR) has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for crafting this action plan. This decision follows DGIPR's submission of a proposal to create appropriate arrangements at the state government level. In January, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Centre formed the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to support the structured expansion of India's live entertainment sector and strengthen the emerging concert economy.
An official explained, "In order to promote and develop the live entertainment economy in India and to make India a global leader in the live entertainment sector by 2030, the centre has established a 'Live Events Development Cell'. Through the joint action group, the objective has been set to increase the cultural, economic and employment potential of the country. In order to promote and develop the live entertainment economy, each state needs to prepare an action plan."
Key Directives from the Government Resolution
A Government Resolution (GR) signed by Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal outlines several critical steps for the state government. These include:
- Informing the Centre's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting about the coordinating institution or office from Maharashtra.
- Integrating the portal of permits from various state departments with the portal being developed for live events.
- Initiating a 'single window' facility to streamline the process for obtaining various permits required for live events.
- Adapting the standard operating procedures prepared by the LEDC to meet the specific requirements of the state government.
- Finalizing a list of pre-approved venues in the state suitable for hosting live concerts and submitting it to the Centre.
- Reviewing, in coordination with relevant departments, the rental fees of sports and cultural venues for major events to ensure they remain competitive.
The GR further states, "In connection with live concerts, this subject is being handled at the centre through the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. At the state level, the DGIPR will be the nodal agency. Since the subject of live entertainment is related to various departments, instructions are being issued under this circular to provide necessary cooperation to DGIPR."
Growth Potential and Strategic Context
This initiative is timely, as the organized live events market in India has experienced rapid expansion. The sector was valued at approximately Rs 20,861 crore in 2024 and is growing at an impressive rate of 15 percent annually. It is projected to maintain a compound annual growth rate of 18 percent, surpassing several traditional media segments in terms of growth momentum.
The LEDC was constituted in July 2025 under the directives of Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This cell brings together representatives from both Central and State governments, industry bodies, and major event companies to coordinate policy support and facilitate sectoral expansion.
This state-level action plan aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the WAVES Summit in May 2025, where he emphasized the untapped potential of the live entertainment industry as a significant driver of investment, tourism, and cultural influence in India.
