Shiv Sena MP Srikant Eknath Shinde demands ban on online gaming; says 30 per cent youth suffer mental health issues

New Delhi [India], August 10 (ANI): Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party Leader, Shrikant Eknath Shinde has demanded a ban on online gaming in India, which he said posed significant dangers, especially in terms of their impact on players' mental health with escalation of this addiction even driving some individuals to suicide due to mounting debts.
Speaking in the recently concluded Budget Session of Parliament, Shinde cited 'Junglee Rummy' and urged for a potential ban on it and other similar platforms.
"In today's Lok Sabha session, I raised concerns about online gaming platforms and urged a thorough investigation into the potential ban of Junglee Rummy and similar platforms," Shinde said on X on Friday.
The Shiv Sena leader listed rising addiction to the onling games that involve financial stakes as well as emphasised the urgent need for a ban and a need to educate students in schools and colleges on the dangerous effects of the addiction.
"The growing addiction to online gaming in India, particularly to games like Jungle Rummy, necessitates a thorough examination. These games pose significant dangers, especially in terms of their impact on players' mental health," the Shiv Sena MP said.
"Online gaming is not only affecting the youth but also various other sections of society," he said. To buttress his point, Shinde cited statistics to claim that the online gaming market in India is projected to reach 30 billion dollars by 2025, with a substantial portion attributed to games like Junglee Rummy.
"These games involve financial stakes, and their addictive nature is having serious repercussions on many lives," he added.
Further, he said that according to a 2023 report by the National Council, 30 per cent of youth are experiencing mental health issues due to online gaming. Additionally, 3.5 per cent of adults are also suffering from gaming disorders, and 40 per cent of people have fallen prey to the allure of winning money.
"In many instances, these games have led to personal and family financial crises. The escalation of this addiction has even driven some individuals to suicide due to mounting debt," Shinde said.
He also pointed out that players often try to recoup their losses by investing more money, exacerbating their financial situation.
"There is an urgent need to educate students in schools and colleges, as well as the broader society, about the dangers of online gaming addiction. Furthermore, strict regulations should be implemented to bring discipline and control to this sector, helping to protect the younger generation from falling into this harmful addiction," the Shiv Sena MP added. (ANI)