Petition to the Government of India

Subject: Request to Remove/Reduce GST on Photography, Videography, and Editing Services during Amrit Kaal

 

Petitioner:

Tapan Human

Founder – Photographer on Demand (POD)

On-demand platform to book photographers and videographers

On behalf of the Podian Community

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To,

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,

The Hon’ble Finance Minister of India,

The GST Council,

Government of India.

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Respected Sir/Madam,

We, the members of the photography, videography, and creative editing industry, respectfully submit this petition requesting the removal or substantial reduction of GST on photography, videography, and editing services during this Amrit Kaal, a transformative period of India’s growth journey.⸻

 

Background & Rationale:

 1. Photography & Videography as Cultural and Economic Contributors

 • Photography and videography are not just services; they are cultural documentations of India’s heritage, traditions, weddings, festivals, and events.

 • The creative industry plays a crucial role in promoting Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India by generating content that fuels digital platforms and global visibility.

 2. GST Burden on Small Service Providers

 • The current 18% GST on photography and videography services places a heavy burden on freelancers, small studios, and startups.

 • Unlike large corporations, most professionals in this sector operate as independent entrepreneurs with very thin margins.

 • This tax discourages clients, reduces bookings, and directly impacts livelihood.

 3. Employment & Startup Growth

 • The photography and videography industry employs lakhs of young Indians across urban and rural areas.

 • Startups like Pod (Photographer on Demand) and several others are building on-demand platforms that create direct and indirect employment opportunities.

 • Reducing GST will empower youth-led entrepreneurship and generate thousands of new jobs.

 4. Contribution to India’s Global Image

 • Indian photographers and filmmakers have brought global recognition by documenting our festivals, weddings, and cultural heritage.

 • A reduced tax regime will allow the industry to invest more in equipment, innovation, and global-standard content production, directly benefiting India’s soft power.

5. The Photography & Videography Industry:

 Size and Significance

 • Photography Services Market in India was valued at approximately USD 6.79 billion in 2024, with projections to nearly USD 13.7 billion by 2033, growing at ~8.1% CAGR  .

 • Another estimate places the Indian photographic services market at USD 85 million in 2023, signaling notable growth in recent years  .

 • Globally, the photography services market was valued at USD 55.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 81.8 billion by 2032, with Asia-Pacific accounting for ~35% of this market  .

These figures underscore India’s expanding role and potential in the creative content industry.

6.Freelancers & Gig Workers: Growth and Impact

 • India’s freelancing market is projected to reach USD 25 billion by 2025, with freelancers comprising around 50% of the workforce  .

 • Estimates indicate that in India, the number of freelancers/gig workers is expected to grow from 7.7 million in 2020–21 to 23.5 million by 2029–30  .

 • Photography, videography, and editing professionals form a significant and growing segment within this gig ecosystem, particularly through platforms like POD.

7.Wedding Industry: A Core Driver of Demand

 • India’s wedding industry is valued at USD 75 billion, ranking as one of the country’s largest sectors  .

 • Wedding photography—a central part of this industry—forms a substantial revenue stream, with the wedding photography segment alone belonging to a broader ₹800 billion (~USD 10 billion) wedding market  .

Given that weddings in India trigger massive demand for professional photography and video services, easing GST would influence both service uptake and pricing.

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Our Humble Request:

In view of the above, we request the Hon’ble Government of India and the GST Council to:

 1. Reduce GST from 18% to 5% or completely exempt photography, videography, and editing services, especially for freelancers, startups, and small-scale operators.

 2. Provide tax relief or incentives for creative startups operating in the photography and videography space, aligned with the Startup India Mission.

 3. Recognize photography and videography as essential creative services, which directly contribute to India’s cultural economy.⸻

Why This Matters in Amrit Kaal:

India’s Amrit Kaal (leading up to 2047) is a period of transformation focusing on growth, digital empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Exempting or lowering GST on creative services would:

 • Stimulate startup growth among youth-led creative enterprises

 • Boost employment in the gig and creative economies

 • Enhance Digital India content creation and global cultural outreach

 • Support MSMEs—a backbone of the economy contributing 35% to GDP and employing over 111 million people  

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Closing Appeal:

We, the undersigned photographers, videographers, editors, and members of the Podian community, along with fellow citizens, earnestly appeal to the Government to address this issue in the upcoming GST Council discussions.

This Diwali and beyond, let us empower the creative workforce, encourage startups, and build a stronger India together.

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With Respect,

Tapan Human

Founder – Photographer on Demand (POD)

On behalf of the Podian Community & Creative Professionals of India