Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 21: The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday after a raucous and chaotic session that saw the passage of the much-debated Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Introduced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Bill was passed by voice vote amidst loud Opposition protests focused on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar.
The Bill, which had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha, sets up a national framework to regulate online gaming in India. It covers areas like e-sports, educational games, and social gaming, while imposing a strict ban on money-based online games involving betting or gambling—particularly those that span state borders or are hosted from abroad. A central authority is to be established for oversight, policy direction, and enforcement.
Minister Vaishnaw described the Bill as a protective measure for the middle class and youth, asserting that the government had chosen public welfare over potential tax revenues. He cited data showing nearly 45 crore individuals affected by online money gaming and estimated financial losses of over Rs 30,000 crore.
Highlighting the World Health Organisation's classification of online gaming addiction as a psychological disorder, he warned that the issue had escalated into a public health crisis, with severe consequences for families. He further raised concerns about online gambling being used for terror financing and drug trafficking, branding these platforms as enablers of illicit activity. Acknowledging that powerful interests might resist the new law, he reaffirmed the government's resolve under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.
Despite the Bill’s importance, proceedings were repeatedly disrupted. Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, sought to raise the issue of the voter list revision in Bihar but were denied the floor. Attempts to move amendments by members like John Brittas and Dr. R. Sivadasan were also drowned out amid the uproar. BJP MP Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of neglecting public interest by refusing to engage with the substance of the legislation.
After the Bill's passage, the Rajya Sabha was briefly adjourned before Deputy Chairman Harivansh reconvened to deliver a candid assessment of the session. He expressed regret over the consistent disorder that marred the 268th session, revealing that the House functioned for only 41 hours and 15 minutes—resulting in a productivity rate of just 38.88%. Of the 255 starred questions, only 14 were answered; just seven of 285 Zero Hour submissions were taken up, and only 61 of 285 Special Mentions were addressed.
Nevertheless, the House managed to pass or return 14 government Bills and hold a discussion on Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. It also bid farewell to six retiring members. With Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar having resigned on July 21, Deputy Chairman Harivansh concluded the session by acknowledging the constitutional responsibility he now bears before formally adjourning the House sine die.