India bullish on online gaming, govt. working on framework to boost sector: IT Min Rajeev Chandrasekhar

In a recent statement, Indian Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar revealed that the Indian government expressed strong support for the online gaming sector, citing its significance in driving the digital economy forward. According to Minister Chandrasekhar,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a firm believer in the sector's potential and advocates for its encouragement and support.

Chandrasekhar outlined the government's plans to develop a regulatory framework that promotes safe and trusted online gaming, particularly emphasizing the need to distinguish it from activities like betting and money laundering. He assured entrepreneurs of the government's commitment to creating conducive policies for the sector's growth.

However, Chandrasekhar also cautioned against regulatory complacency, citing recent events such as the Paytm crisis. He emphasized the importance of adhering to laws and regulations, regardless of a company's size or success.

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The minister also discussed challenges faced by startups like Byju's, attributing their struggles to rapid expansion without establishing necessary corporate discipline. He highlighted the importance of learning from past mistakes to ensure sustainable growth.

Regarding regulatory hurdles faced by mobility startup Ola, Chandrasekhar noted that disrupting traditional sectors often invites resistance, particularly from politically connected stakeholders.

On a positive note, Chandrasekhar shared news of significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing, signaling a potential breakthrough after decades of missed opportunities. He also highlighted India's growing presence in chip design, with numerous startups emerging in the sector.

The Mumbai Tech Week, attended by industry leaders from companies like Microsoft and Meta, showcased India's prowess in AI development. Puneet Chandok of Microsoft emphasized India's central role in the AI landscape, with a significant portion of global AI projects originating from the country. Sandhya Devanathan of Meta underscored AI's transformative potential in enhancing brand-user interactions across platforms like WhatsApp Business and Instagram.

(With inputs from agencies)