By Vinai Venkatesham 
In a bid to safeguard the burgeoning online gaming industry, Delhi Finance Minister Atishi has taken a strong stance against the imposition of tax evasion notices totaling a staggering Rs 1.5-lakh crore to gaming companies. Atishi, emphasizing the sector’s significant contributions, highlighted that it employs over 50,000 young individuals and has attracted an impressive Rs 17,000 crore in foreign investments. She underscored the industry’s crucial role in the nation’s economy, urging the withdrawal of these notices to protect its stability.
Atishi, while addressing concerns at the GST Council meeting, emphasized the paramount importance of preserving an environment of stability and predictability in taxation. She argued that an “unstable, erratic tax environment” would not only deter foreign investors from the online gaming sector but would also have a detrimental impact on the wider start-up ecosystem in the country.
The Finance Minister noted that previous decisions by the GST Council, particularly the imposition of a 28 percent tax on the online gaming industry, had adversely affected the sector. Acknowledging the potential ramifications of such decisions, she expressed the urgent need to rectify these policies to ensure the sustained growth of the industry and maintain investor confidence.
The GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state ministers, convened to deliberate on these matters. Atishi’s determined efforts to advocate for the withdrawal of tax notices underscore the critical role played by the online gaming sector in India’s economy. As the industry faces challenges, the nation watches as policymakers work towards a balanced and conducive environment for its continued success and growth.