MUMBAI — Facing what legislators have termed a "digital pandemic," the Maharashtra government has officially constituted a high-level expert task force to combat the surging rates of digital and online gaming addiction among the state's youth. Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar announced the move in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, marking a significant policy shift toward viewing screen time as a public health priority.
The Scale of the Crisis
The urgency of the state's intervention is underscored by staggering demographics: Maharashtra is home to nearly 40 million children under the age of 18, with 30 million of them below 15. Citing a recent study by Responsible Netism, Shelar revealed that 3 out of every 10 clinical cases involving children in the state now relate to gaming addiction. Furthermore, school surveys indicate that roughly 40% of students exhibit moderate to severe "Gaming Disorder"—a condition officially recognized by the World Health Organization.
A Holistic "Digital Diet"
The task force, established on February 2, 2026, is not merely a political committee. It is a multi-disciplinary "brain trust" including:
Medical Experts: Psychiatrists and child counselors focusing on "phantom vibration syndrome" and "tech-neck."
Legal & Tech Specialists: Examining mandatory e-KYC age verification and the regulation of predatory "loot boxes."
Educationists: Drafting a "Digital Hygiene" curriculum for Maharashtra schools.
The Minister introduced the concept of a "Digital Diet," urging families to treat screen exposure like nutrition—balanced and regulated. Key proposals under review include a statewide "Screen-Free Saturday" initiative and the establishment of Cyber Wellness Centres at district hospitals to provide specialized therapy.
Jurisdictional Hurdles and Future Steps
While the state is moving aggressively, Shelar clarified that the ultimate power to regulate the $200 billion global gaming industry rests with the Union Government. Consequently, the panel’s findings—due before the next legislative session—will serve as a formal recommendation to the Centre for national-level legal amendments.
"We are witnessing a decline in academic performance and a rise in social withdrawal," Shelar noted. "This is no longer just a parenting issue; it is a matter of state productivity and the mental resilience of our future generation."
