Single judge committee investigates VSKU convocation certificate scam
The case involves unauthorised issuance of convocation certificates to approximately 3,330 individuals by forging vice chancellor's signature. On Feb 20, a 9-member team was tasked with investigating claims of illegal money collection and certificate distribution.
Following accusations implicating senior university officials and examination department contract staff, the investigation team reviewed certificates and associated receipts spanning a decade.
The investigation team's 68-page report revealed that after examining 45,000 certificates, students were potentially charged over Rs 8,000 per certificate, resulting in substantial financial losses for the university.
"This report was presented to the higher education department, and notices were sent to various staff members, including the two previous valuation registrars. An inquiry committee will question them," stated Prof Muniraju.
In this context, the vice chancellor issued a statement on June 17, indicating that several public interest complaints were submitted to the Registrar concerning the unlawful issuance of convocation certificates within the university's examination department, as well as certain illegal orders made during the tenure of Prof Ananth L Zandekar, who served as the in-charge vice chancellor and is an associate professor of history and archaeology.
"The issue was addressed during the syndicate meeting on June 6, where it was resolved to initiate a judicial inquiry led by a retired judge regarding the mentioned cases. Consequently, DS Shinde, a retired district judge from the district sessions court in Belgaum, has been designated as the investigating officer. He is tasked with carrying out the inquiry and providing a report within 45 days. Following the submission of the report, appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty," stated vice chancellor Prof M Muniraju.
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First Post
20 minutes ago
- First Post
Why India wants to ban online real-money games like fantasy sports, lotteries
The Centre introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed legislation seeks to ban online games played with money and impose stricter penalties on celebrity promoters. On the other hand, the government wants to promote e-sports and online social games India is planning to ban online games played with money, in a major setback for an industry that has attracted billions in investment but remains controversial. On Wednesday (August 20), Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, seeks to prohibit real-money online gaming, imposing stricter penalties on such platforms and their celebrity promoters. It also aims to encourage e-sports and online social games. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. What's in the Online Gaming Bill? The Online Gaming Bill seeks to ban online gaming platforms, citing psychological and national security concerns. It defines 'online money game' as 'an online game, irrespective of whether such game is based on skill, chance, or both, played by a user by paying fees, depositing money or other stakes in expectation of winning which entails monetary and other enrichment in return of money or other stakes; but shall not include any e-sports'. If passed, the bill would outlaw all online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports and Poker, Rummy and other card games, as well as online lotteries, the Ministry of Electronics and IT said in a statement, as per ANI. Section 2(h) of the bill defines 'online money gaming service' as a service offered by a person for entering or playing an online money game. The proposed ban applies to all money-based online games, whether based on skill or chance, and advertisements for such platforms. The draft bill also prohibits banks and financial institutions from facilitating financial transactions on these gaming platforms. Violators can face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for offering or facilitating online money gaming. The Centre's bill proposes to ban all money-based online games, whether based on skill or chance. Representational Image/Pixabay The bill also proposes punishing those promoting these platforms, such as social media influencers, who can be imprisoned for two years and face a penalty of Rs 50 lakh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Major gaming platforms, such as Dream11, Games24x7, Winzo, GamesKraft, 99Games, MPL, KheloFantasy, and My11Circle will be directly hit by the proposed ban. E-sports to be promoted The Online Gaming Bill exempts e-sports from the ban. The government wants to recognise e-sports as a legitimate form of competitive sport in the country. To encourage e-sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will set up a dedicated framework. The government could also mull promoting and recognising 'online social games' for educational and recreational purposes. While these could include a subscription fee for entry, there will be nothing in the form of a stake or wager. Notably, the Online Gaming Bill empowers authorised officials to conduct search operations at physical and virtual places, even without a warrant. '…any (authorised) officer…may enter any place, whether physical or digital, and search and arrest without warrant any person found therein who is reasonably suspected of having committed or of committing or of being about to commit any offence under this Act,' the Bill states. Why ban on online money gaming The government says it wants to ban such online games as they cause financial harm and are addictive. As per the Bill, the unregulated expansion of online money gaming services has been associated with 'unlawful activities including financial fraud, money-laundering, tax evasion, and in some cases, the financing of terrorism, thereby posing threats to national security, public order and the integrity of the State'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It said the law was needed due to the 'deleterious and negative impact of online money games on the individuals, families, society and the nation and given the technical aspects including the very nature of the electronic medium used for online money games, the algorithms applied and the national and transnational networks.' Reflecting the Government's commitment to a safe, secure, and innovation-driven Digital India, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 strikes a balanced path—encouraging innovation and youth engagement through safe and positive online gaming, while firmly… — Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) August 20, 2025 The Statement of Object and Reasons of the Bill read that 'the unchecked and widespread proliferation of online money games which readily accessible through mobile devices, computers, and the internet, and offering monetary returns in exchange for deposited funds has led to grave social, economic, and psychological consequences across the country'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'These platforms often promote compulsive and addictive behaviour, resulting in financial ruin, mental health disorders, and increasing incidents of fraud and exploitation', the Bill said, adding such games often use 'manipulative design features, addictive algorithms, bots and undisclosed agents, undermining fairness, transparency and user protection, while promoting compulsive behaviour leading to financial ruin'. Reactions to the proposed ban The government's plan to put a blanket ban on online money gaming has sparked criticism from various quarters. The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has warned of a devastating fallout for the industry if the bill is implemented without changes. Seeking Union Home Minister Amit Shah's intervention, it said there was a need for 'progressive regulation' and not a ban. 'Such a blanket prohibition would strike a death knell for this legitimate, job-creating industry, and would cause serious harm to Indian users and citizens. We firmly believe that progressive regulation and not prohibition is the way forward for the legitimate Indian industry. With your guidance, India can set a global example by building a safe, transparent, and thriving digital gaming ecosystem,' AIGF said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An industry insider told that the government's approach is 'misguided' and could be more harmful than beneficial. 'A blanket ban will not protect Indians, it will harm them. It will kill jobs, drive users to illegal gambling, and violate the Constitution,' the source said, warning that a ban will only boost illegal offshore operators, which they described as 'one of the biggest national security threats to the country today.' India's online gaming industry is valued at $3.7 billion today, depending largely on real-money games (RMG). 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However, for this vision to truly materialise, it is critical that the terminology used in the bill, particularly the distinctions between e-sports, online gaming, online social gaming, and online money gaming be clearly defined and uniformly understood.' Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has also criticised the ban on online money gaming, saying it would only push the industry underground and bolster criminal networks. 'I had written a very long article on the argument that by banning online gaming we are simply driving it underground, whereas it could be a useful source of revenue for the government if we legalise it, regulate it and tax it,' he was quoted as saying by PTI. Tharoor also pointed out that several countries have analysed the issue in detail and concluded that regulation and taxation can generate funds for social causes, while prohibition merely enriches 'criminal mafias'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said on X that the bill should at least have been referred to a parliamentary committee 'to consider all the pros and cons before rushing it into law'. With inputs from agencies
NDTV
20 minutes ago
- NDTV
Everything You Need To Know About Online Gaming Bill 2025
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha today. The proposed law seeks to encourage e-sports and social games, while prohibiting real money gaming and online betting that could lead to addiction, financial loss, and security risks. Online Gaming Bill 2025: What It Aims To Do Encourage Positive Gaming: Promote e-sports and safe social or educational games. Ban Risky Money Games: Stop online gambling, betting, and real money games that can cause addiction or financial loss. Protect Citizens and Security: Safeguard users, especially youth, from fraud, money laundering, and other online risks. Support Innovation: Provide rules and guidelines to grow India's gaming industry responsibly. Provisions Of The Bill E-sports: Recognised as a legitimate sport; Ministry of Sports to set guidelines, run awareness campaigns, and support training academies and research centres. Social and Educational Games: Government can register and support safe, age-appropriate games that promote skill, culture, and digital literacy. Harmful Online Money Games: Complete ban on money games, their promotion, and related financial transactions; unlawful platforms can be blocked. Online Gaming Authority: Central government to oversee gaming, categorise games, determine money games, handle complaints, and issue guidelines. Offences And Penalties Offering/facilitating online money gaming: up to 3 years imprisonment and/or Rs 1 crore fine. Advertising money games: up to 2 years imprisonment and/or Rs 50 lakh fine. Financial transactions related to money games: up to 3 years imprisonment and/or Rs 1 crore fine. Repeat offences: 3-5 years imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 crore. Certain offences are cognisable and non-bailable. Officers may investigate, search, and seize digital/physical property linked to offences. Powers to enter, search, and arrest without warrant in certain cases. Companies and officers held liable unless due diligence is proven. Independent or non-executive directors not involved in decision-making are protected. Pros Of The Bill Boosts Creative Economy: Positions India as a global hub for gaming exports, innovation, and jobs. Empowers Youth: Encourages skill-based gaming and e-sports participation. Ensures Safety: Protects families from predatory real-money gaming. Global Leadership: Strengthens India's role in responsible gaming and digital policy. Criticism Surrounding The Bill Opposition leaders have criticised the bill for being rushed, lacking stakeholder consultation, and potentially undermining regulation. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said on X, "The proposed online gaming bill, The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 is being introduced without industry consultation, is a knee-jerk reaction that could prove counterproductive... The government should refer the bill to a select committee and hold public hearings to ensure a balanced and informed approach." Congress leader Priyank Kharge argued that regulation was a better solution than banning something altogether. He said, "Regulation is the only way to safeguard our citizens, without it, they'll be pushed to playing on offshore servers in China or other countries which is beyond our reach of protection." Congress MP Shashi Tharoor spoke to reporters about the lack of proper parliamentary debate. "In my view, many countries have studied this issue in great detail and concluded that legalising and taxing online gaming allows governments to generate funds that can be used for various worthy causes... With Parliament not functioning effectively, the bill will likely be passed without any proper discussion," he said. Cons Of The Bill Industry and Jobs at Risk: According to Priyank Kharge, over 2,000 gaming startups and more than 2 lakh IT, AI, and design jobs could be affected. Karti Chidambaram has said that up to 4 lakh jobs may be at risk due to the bill. Threat to Foreign Investment: The bill could wipe out $6 billion in investments and push users to offshore platforms, Mr Chidambaram said. Revenue and Tax Loss: India could lose around Rs 20,000 crore annually from GST and income tax, as per Mr Chidambaram. Online gaming is currently subject to 28% GST and 30% tax on net winnings. Underground Markets And Addiction: Banning online gaming may push users to unregulated platforms, increasing the risk of illegal activities. National Security Risks: Offshore platforms may facilitate money laundering, terror financing, and data theft. Ecosystem Collapse: Priyank Kharge said Rs 7,000 crore spent annually on ads, data centres, sponsorships, and cybersecurity could vanish, affecting India's gaming innovation. Policy Concerns: A blanket ban without stakeholder consultation may create illegal markets and threaten national security.
NDTV
20 minutes ago
- NDTV
'Rs 20,000 Crore Lost Every Year': Why Government Wants Online Gaming Bil
New Delhi: An estimated 45 crore people lose around Rs 20,000 crore every year playing online games, including gambling and betting games, government sources told NDTV Wednesday afternoon, shortly before the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed by the Lok Sabha. Sources said online gaming, specifically those involving money - either to place 'bets' or as subscription fees or to access in-game content - have become a 'major problem' with many MPs flagging concerns. And the government, having to choose between revenue from online gaming websites and the financial and mental welfare of the people, chose the latter, sources said. The proposed bill highlights concerns over addiction to games, fraud by game operators and developers, and inconsistences in state laws regarding gambling. It also proposes stricter oversight of gaming platforms, particularly those offering real-money games, such as poker. There are also concerns these are used to launder money or even finance terrorism. Sources said people who play these games are victims (and) will not be punished... but there will be action against those who run real money gaming platforms, facilitate transactions, etc. Last week, in connection with a federal investigation into illegal betting apps - which masquerade as 'a game of skill' to appear different from gambling games, which are outlawed by Indian laws - sources told NDTV this 'market' is worth Rs 8.3 lakh crore and is growing at 30 per cent annually. READ | Rs 8.3 Lakh Crore Market: Inside India's Illegal Online Betting Apps The new bill, introduced by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, creates a legal framework, including levying penalties for running gambling apps, to regulate these gambling platforms. These penalties include a three-year prison sentence, a fine of Rs 1 crore, or both for any person offering online money-based gaming services in violation of the law. And those advertising such endeavours may face a two-year jail term and/or pay a fine of Rs 50 lakh. NDTV Explains | Everything You Need To Know About Online Gaming Bill 2025 There are three main parts to this legislation, which suggests the establishment of a national-level 'Online Gaming Authority' to regulate digital gaming. This body will categorise and register games, decide which qualify as 'money games', and handle complaints from citizens. E-sports - Sources said the government is keen to promote e-sports, which refers to organised and competitive gaming involving users playing in a tournament or league format for prize money. The government wants to provide legal recognition to e-sports via this bill, sources said. The government intends to allocate funds to promote and maintain these activities, which account for two-thirds of the online gaming industry and will create jobs, sources also said. Online Social Games - Like e-sports, these will also be given legal recognition, sources said. The government hopes to use these games to send important socio-cultural messages, and developers and promoters of these games could receive financial support, sources also said. Online social games also include multiplayer games like Fortnite, Counter-Strike, Minecraft, etc., which most frequently involve real-time interaction with other players. By promoting both - i.e., e-sports and safe online social games - the government hopes India will become a global hub for video game development, both coding and creative. Online Money Games - Strict provisions have been included for action against companies that promote online gambling or betting, sources said. Action will also be taken against those who advertise such platforms, which will increase scrutiny on celebrities who were, or are being, questioned over links to online betting apps. READ | Cricketers Harbhajan, Yuvraj Singh Questioned Over Illegal Betting App Ads Overall, the government is in the process of tightening the online gaming sector. This has included imposing a 28 per cent tax on online gaming activities since October 2023. Winnings were taxed at 30 per cent starting from the 2024-25 financial year. Offshore gaming platforms have been brought under the tax net and unregistered or illegal gaming sites - over 1,500 for betting and gambling since 2022 - have been blocked.
