ArdorComm Media News Network
January 5, 2026
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to provide a structured push to India’s fast-growing live entertainment and concert ecosystem, according to an official statement.
Envisioned as a single-window facilitation platform, the LEDC will help simplify regulatory processes, coordinate with states and industry stakeholders, and create an enabling environment for large-scale live events. The broader objective is to position India as one of the world’s leading live entertainment destinations by 2030.
The move comes at a time when the organised live events industry is witnessing strong momentum. Valued at ₹20,861 crore in 2024, the sector is expanding at nearly 15% annually and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18%, outperforming several traditional media segments.
Constituted in July 2025 under the direction of Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the LEDC brings together representatives from central and state governments, industry associations, and major event management companies to drive coordinated policy support and sectoral growth.
The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at the WAVES Summit in May 2025, where he underscored the live entertainment industry’s untapped potential to boost investment, tourism, and India’s global cultural footprint.
Currently, the sector supports over 10 million jobs, with each large-format event generating more than 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Growth is no longer limited to metros, as Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities emerge as new demand centres.
Data cited from a BookMyShow 2025 report highlights a 490% surge in live event footfalls in Visakhapatnam, while Shillong and Guwahati recorded growth of 213% and 188%, respectively. Overall consumption across music concerts, sports, and theatre rose by 17%.
Industry experts note that the increasing presence of global performers alongside extensive domestic tours signals a maturing and globally competitive market.
To bridge infrastructure gaps and improve ease of doing business, the ministry has also set up a Joint Working Group with private sector players, including District by Zomato. Through these measures, the LEDC aims to double the size of the live events industry, create 15–20 million jobs, and place India among the top five global live entertainment hubs.
Source: Economic Times