Citing the adverse impact of mental health of youth, Maharashtra government is mulling to ban online games in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said he has spoken to the Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding this and said the Centre is “seriously looking into the issue”.
While addressing the Legislative Assembly on Friday, Fadnavis clarified that the power to regulate online gaming lies solely with the Centre. “Regulating online gaming requires intervention from the Centre, as only the Union government has the authority to frame laws on the subject,” said Fadnavis. Responding to concerns raised by MLAs over the growing incidence of online gambling and related crimes in the state, Fadnavis added, “I have written to the Union government and the Information Technology Minister and I am actively following up on the matter.”
ALSO READIn online gaming, real money games are where the moolah is
The Chief Minister’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by MLAs across party lines over the surge in online gambling-related crimes and addiction. Lawmakers said the trend was pushing many into financial ruin and even leading to suicides.
To underline the severity of the crisis, Shiv Sena MLA Kailash Patil cited a case from his constituency. “A man sold his three-acre land and house to fund his online gaming addiction. Drowning in debt, he ended up killing his pregnant wife, his two-year-old son and then himself. Just like the state banned dance bars to protect youth, it must now act against online gaming,” an ET report quoted him as saying.
Fadnavis appeals celebrities
Fadnavis acknowledged that the issue has worsened significantly in the past four to five years and that the government had explored legal options at the state level. “These websites are hosted internationally and only the Centre can take action. But we are committed to working with the Centre to address this menace,” he said.
ALSO READFrom Hindi to Haryanvi, online gaming goes native
NCP (SP) MLA Abhijeet Patil added that the state should take action against celebrities who promote such platforms. “Their endorsements encourage people to try these apps, worsening the problem,” he said. Fadnavis also appealed to celebrities to refrain from endorsing online gaming platforms. “We will also examine if these advertisements can be banned at the state level,” he added.
» Read More
