In a significant move in the field of law and order and economic reforms in India, President Droupadi Murmu has approved two important bills. The Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025, and the Income Tax Act, 2025, have now officially become law.
New Delhi: The Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025, and the Income Tax Act, 2025, have received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, thereby officially becoming law. Parliament had passed these bills earlier this week—the Lok Sabha gave its assent on August 20, and the Rajya Sabha on August 21.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, described this law as a "balanced approach." According to him, its objective is to promote e-sports and online social games on one hand, while curbing money-based and harmful gaming practices on the other.
Online Gaming Bill 2025: Why is it special?
The scope of online gaming has increased rapidly in India in the last few years. While e-sports, skill-based games, and social gaming have become new sources of entertainment and employment for the youth, trends such as money gaming and betting have created social and economic problems. Keeping these challenges in mind, Parliament passed the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025, which has now also received the President's approval.
Presenting this bill in Parliament, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said that this law adopts a "balanced approach." He said: This bill will promote the positive aspects of gaming, such as teamwork, strategy, and learning. At the same time, it will work to prevent the social and mental harm caused by online money gaming.
Drawing a comparison, he said that just as the chit-fund scam ruined families in the past, today money gaming has also become a public health concern. Vaishnaw also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always prioritized the welfare of the youth and the middle class. That is why this law encourages e-sports and innovation on one hand, and on the other hand, it shows strictness towards harmful practices.
New Income Tax Act 2025: A historic step towards economic reforms
Along with the online gaming law, President Droupadi Murmu has also approved the Income Tax Act, 2025. This new act will replace the old income tax law that has been in force in the country since 1961. The new act is being described as a historic reform because its objective is to: Make tax laws simple and transparent. Reduce legal jargon and complexities. Make compliance easier so that taxpayers face fewer difficulties.
The Income Tax Department posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter): The Income Tax Act, 2025, has received the approval of the Hon'ble President on August 21, 2025. This is a historic reform replacing the 1961 Act, ushering in a simple, transparent, and compliance-friendly direct tax system.
