Latest news with #OnlineGamingBill2025
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Parliamentary committee raises concerns on SAI's financial health, lack of spending in Khelo India
Declaring Sports Authority of India (SAI) 'critically' under-funded and under-staffed, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on sports has observed that India's international performances are 'far from satisfactory' and also raised concerns around the lack of fund utilisation in the government's flagship Khelo India Scheme. The Committee, headed by Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, observed that SAI's financial health is crucial to the country's international medal performance and urged the Sports Ministry to not just increase the allocation but also have a targeted approach towards those sports in which India is likely to win more medals. '....identify with clinical precision few sporting events in which we have got best chance to win medals and divert most of the resources at hand in nurturing the talents in such sports so that they reach international standards and win medals for the country,' it noted. The Committee, which also includes cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, and BJP's Sambit Patra and Bansuri Swaraj, among others, expressed 'grave' concern over the shortage of staff and low funding of SAI. 'The Committee is constrained (sic) to observe that the budget of SAI is critically national Centres of Excellence all over the country are required. This obviously needs higher budgetary allocation for the SAI. '...about 45 per cent of sanctioned posts in the Authority are presently lying vacant. The fact that these shortfalls in staff are being managed through contractual appointment may at best be only an ad hoc arrangement. 'Substantial staff crunch in coaching and scientific cadres is indeed very alarming as it substantially undermines the coaching of athletes and jeopardise their chances to win medals,' it pointed out. ALSO READ | Online Gaming Bill 2025: Government to support and recognise esports, prohibits online money games The panel 'heard the views of Sports Secretary, and SAI representatives in its meeting held on June 6'. It commended the recruitment drive to fill up these vacancies but asked the sports ministry to complete the process in the next six months and 'furnish an Action Taken Report (ATR).' While appreciating the sports ministry's efforts, the panel stated that the achievements on the ground in terms of medals won in the major international sports events like Olympics are far from satisfactory. '...even though the medal tally in international sporting events has improved compared to the past, we still need to assiduously work on it. It is extremely painful that we, being a country of approximately 1.4 billion populations, could not win even a single gold medal in the last Olympics in 2024 and most of the Olympics before that,' it stated. '...there is some gap or deficiency at the policy level in this Committee notes with appreciation that efforts of the Ministry and the corporate contribution in the development of sports ecosystem in the country is showing, of late, some positive results.' Concerns around Khelo India The panel also noted with 'concern' that during the last two financial years, the funds for the government's flagship Khelo India Scheme have been diverted to National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) of SAI. 'This diversion has denied precious funds of Rs 38.79 crores to the Khelo India Scheme. This is more alarming as 122.30 crore of allocated funds under this scheme has also been returned to the Consolidated Fund of India,' it observed. '...such practice of diversion of funds from one central scheme to another is not a healthy one as it reflects poor estimation, planning and implementation on the part of a Central Scheme.' The Committee revealed that the Khelo India Scheme has been approved by the cabinet from 2021-22 to 2025-26. It recommended that the scheme be embedded in the SAI's operational structure thereafter. 'As such, the current Khelo India Scheme is operational till 31st March 2026. The Committee notes that the lapsing of the Khelo India scheme offers the department an opportunity to permanently embed the Khelo India scheme in the organisational structure of SAI and to create dedicated staff positions within SAI to carry out the functions of the Khelo India scheme. ALSO READ | National Sports Governance Bill becomes an Act after President Murmu's assent 'Accordingly, the Committee recommends that the budget for the Sports Department be sustained and that the SAI take over the existing responsibilities of Khelo India, including the disbursal of funds to other government agencies,' it stated. The report also said that the ministry has acknowledged that an amount of Rs. 19.50 crore was allocated for play-field development under the Khelo India Scheme, but has not been spent 'due to lack of proposal from eligible entities'. 'The Committee in this regard recommends initiating a consultation with the 'eligible entities' and try to find out the lack of enthusiasm on their part for this component and properly address their concerns, if any. The Committee further recommends furnishing an ATR (Action Taken Report) in this matter.' Published on Aug 20, 2025
NDTV
15 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
The Pros And Cons Of 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
16 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
'Want To Make India Game Development Capital': Centre On Online Gaming Bill
New Delhi: The government wants to make India the 'game development capital of the world' and hopes the proposed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 - tabled in the Lok Sabha Wednesday afternoon - will set the country's game development industry on that path. The intent is clear, S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, told NDTV. The bill creates a category for 'safe' online games, i.e., e-sports and online social games, and the development of these will be backed by the government. It also cracks down on money-based games and gaming platforms offering gambling opportunities, including poker, rummy, and other card games, arguing these lure people with false promise of large and quick payouts and lead to financial and emotional distress. The point of difference between these two categories - i.e., 'skill' vs 'chance' - has been a grey area for quite some time, allowing some operators to cloak gambling games as 'skill-based'. "One of the issues that came up repeatedly in meetings with the gaming sector is clarity on classification. Parts of the sector believe some people and platforms are causing financial and social distress, related to addiction, and that are tarred by association," Mr Krishnan told NDTV. "One part of the gaming industry is doing that whereas another is more positively oriented... in terms of gamification creative content development. That portion needs to be encouraged. For that, a clear delineation needs to be made and has been offered in this bill..." he said. Mr Krishnan also said concerns over online money games, or online gambling platforms, had been flagged by political leaders from different parties, including those from the opposition. "The point here is between 'skill' and 'luck'... this grey area was used to argue what suited operators in different jurisdictions. But there are no game of pure chance... that is like a coin toss, and the outcome should be 50-50. That doesn't happen in these games," he explained. NDTV Explains | Everything You Need To Know About Online Gaming Bill 2025 The proposed bill highlights concerns over addiction to games, fraud by operators and developers, and inconsistences in state laws regarding gambling. It also proposes stricter oversight of platforms, particularly those offering real-money games, such as poker. 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.
Economic Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
No real money play as Lok Sabha passes bill to regulate online gaming, betting apps
Synopsis The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, establishing a legal framework and safeguards for players in the online gaming industry. The bill bans online games involving monetary stakes due to concerns about addiction and financial losses, while esports and social games remain permissible with subscription-based access. Violators could face imprisonment and fines. Agencies Online Gaming Bill 2025 The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aimed at establishing a legal framework for the fast-growing industry and introducing safeguards for legislation, introduced earlier in the day by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw amid Opposition protests, was cleared a day after the Cabinet approved it. The Bill imposes a blanket ban on online games involving monetary stakes, citing addiction, financial losses and related suicides among youth as key prohibits all forms of online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports, card games such as poker and rummy, and online lotteries. It also bans advertisements promoting such games and bars banks and financial institutions from processing or facilitating related transactions. Under the law, an 'online money game' is defined as one played by a user after depositing money with the expectation of monetary gain. The government has clarified that esports and social games will remain permissible, with subscription-based access allowed but without the promise of financial returns. Offering or facilitating such games will be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to ₹1 crore, once the Bill clears both Houses of said the law distinguishes between permissible and prohibited gaming segments. MeitY Secretary S Krishnan explained that while real-money gaming apps would be curbed 'in the larger public interest,' esports and social games would remain allowed, with subscriptions permitted but without monetary returns. He described the measure as a 'societal decision' and noted that concerns about job losses had been weighed against the risks posed by money gaming. Industry voices and experts also welcomed the move as a protective step. 'The new Online Gaming Bill is more than regulation, it is protection. Online money games have left children and youth vulnerable to exploitation and serious mental health risks,' Apollo Hospitals vice chairperson Preetha Reddy wrote on X.
NDTV
17 hours ago
- Business
- 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.
