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Regulatory Task force formation

Maharashtra Forms Task Force on Digital Addiction

Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Feb 25, 2026 · Last updated Feb 26, 2026

Sentiment
10
Attention
2
Articles
8
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the NewsDesk Dashboard
Market Impact

This event is unlikely to have a direct immediate impact on financial markets. However, potential future regulations on gaming platforms and digital services in India===Maharashtra could affect technology companies operating in India.

Technology Education Healthcare
Event Summary

The India===Maharashtra government has announced the formation of an expert task force to study the increasing prevalence of digital addiction among children. State IT Minister Ashish Shelar informed the Legislative Council that the committee will submit a comprehensive report with remedial recommendations before the next session. The initiative was prompted by a calling attention motion raised by MLCs Niranjan Davkhare and Sanjay Kenekar, who highlighted the mental and physical health risks of unregulated screen time. The task force will include psychiatrists, educationists, child counselors, technology experts, and legal professionals. Measures under consideration include mandatory e-KYC age verification for gaming platforms, an Indian-based gaming rating authority, mandatory time-out features for minors, and the establishment of Cyber Wellness Centres. Recommendations requiring legal amendments will be forwarded to the India===Government of India.

Key Actions
90 India===Maharashtra formed an expert task force to study digital addiction
80 Ashish Shelar announced the formation of the task force
40 Niranjan Davkhare raised a calling attention motion
40 Sanjay Kenekar raised a calling attention motion
20 Responsible Netism conducted a study on gaming addiction
Entities Involved
loc
India===Maharashtra
The government of India===Maharashtra is taking proactive steps to address digital addiction among children by forming an expert task force. This initiative aims to protect the mental and physical health of its young population and could lead to new regulations.
Importance 90 Sentiment 10
per
Ashish Shelar
As the IT Minister of India===Maharashtra, Ashish Shelar announced the formation of the task force and outlined the government's plans to combat digital addiction. He is a key figure in driving this initiative.
Importance 80 Sentiment 10
per
Niranjan Davkhare
Niranjan Davkhare, an MLC, raised the calling attention motion that prompted the government's announcement, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Importance 40 Sentiment 5
per
Sanjay Kenekar
Sanjay Kenekar, an MLC, also raised the calling attention motion, drawing attention to the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children.
Importance 40 Sentiment 5
govactor
India===Government of India
The India===Government of India holds primary legislative authority over the internet, meaning any recommendations from India===Maharashtra's task force requiring legal amendments will be submitted to them for further action.
Importance 30 Sentiment 0
ngo
Responsible Netism
Responsible Netism conducted a study cited by Minister Ashish Shelar, which provided data on the rising prevalence of gaming disorder in India===Maharashtra.
Importance 20 Sentiment 5
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