The Union Cabinet has given its assent to a new and comprehensive Bill aimed at bringing the rapidly expanding online gaming sector in India under a strict regulatory framework. This landmark legislation, approved, specifically targets platforms and applications that are linked to betting and gambling.
The core objective of the Bill is to impose stringent oversight on an industry that has largely operated with minimal regulation. It introduces a system of tough penalties, substantial financial fines, and empowers the government to ban such applications when necessary. This move is seen as a decisive step to curb the social ills associated with unregulated online betting.
Key provisions and features
A pivotal feature of this new law is the prohibition of endorsements by celebrities and public figures. The Bill explicitly forbids well-known personalities from promoting or advertising online gaming platforms that involve betting or gambling. This provision is designed to shield impressionable and younger audiences from the persuasive influence of celebrity-led advertisements, which often glamorise gambling-related activities. According to government officials, this measure is crucial for protecting vulnerable youth from exploitation and the negative impacts of online betting.
An official statement emphasised that the law's primary purpose is to mitigate the adverse social consequences of online betting games. "The Bill is a significant stride towards protecting young people from harmful distractions and ensuring a healthier and safer gaming environment for all," the official stated.
The proposed legislation is slated to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, potentially as early as the next day. Once it is passed and enacted, it will represent a major turning point for the online gaming industry in India, mandating stricter accountability and oversight for all operators.
The key features of the bill include:
- Regulation of Online Gaming: The Bill provides a clear legal framework to regulate platforms that offer games involving betting and gambling.
- Enforcement and Penalties: It introduces a robust enforcement mechanism, including penalties, fines, and the authority to ban non-compliant platforms.
- Ban on Endorsements: It prohibits celebrities and public personalities from endorsing online gaming platforms linked to betting.
- Social Safeguarding: The legislation is fundamentally focused on safeguarding the youth and minimizing the social harm caused by unregulated gaming.
This legislative action comes in response to growing public concern over issues such as gambling addiction and the significant financial risks posed by unregulated gaming applications. Industry experts believe that the passage of this Bill will fundamentally reshape the online gaming landscape in India, promoting responsible practices and significantly reducing societal harm.
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Additional Cabinet Approvals: Infrastructure Projects
In addition to the online gaming Bill, the Union Cabinet has also given its green light to two major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting regional connectivity and development.
- Greenfield Airport in Kota-Boondi, Rajasthan: A new airport has been approved for the Kota-Boondi region in Rajasthan. The project has an estimated investment of Rs 1,507 crore. This modern facility is designed to cater to approximately 2 million passengers annually. The new airport has been a long-standing demand from the residents of Kota, a city recognized as a major educational and industrial hub. The project is expected to be completed within two years.
- Capital Region Ring Road in Odisha: The Cabinet has sanctioned the construction of a Capital Region Ring Road around Bhubaneswar in Odisha. This project, with an estimated cost of Rs 8,307.74 crore, will be a 110.875 km, 6-lane access-controlled highway. The highway will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode. This significant infrastructure project is anticipated to substantially alleviate the chronic traffic congestion issues in the region.
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