Digital Economy – Others

India is one of the world’s largest telecommunications market, wherein most internet consumers connect through wireless means. The rising tele-density, along with a rise in disposable incomes of the middle-class has contributed to India’s dream of transforming itself to a Digital Economy. 

Digital economy may be understood as the enhanced digitistaion of social and economic activities or transactions, which ride on technological advancement, leading to economic growth and social development.

Apart from E-commerce and Social Media, Narayan Chamber of Policy (NCP) also works on other issues pertaining to Digital Economy in India. These include areas such as :

    • Internet Access & Connectivity
    • 5G & Internet of Things (IoT)
    • Interface of Intellectual Property & Competition Law in the Information & Communication Technology Sector
    • Over The Top (OTT) Services
    • Online Gaming & Online Fantasy Sports (OFS)
    • Urban Mobility & Drones
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Ease of Doing Business
    • Cyber-Security
    • E-governance
    • E-healthcare & Edtech
    • Fintech and Financial Inclusion
    • Blockchain &Crypto-currency
    • Inclusive Digital Economy for Women, Children and Startups

Publications

Op-Ed: OFSP: Past, present & future

The legality of Online Fantasy Sports Platforms (OFSPs) operating in India, had been a contentious issue in the past few years. Multiple litigation in different jurisdictions, coupled with state level bans led to the confusion on whether these are a Game of Skill or Chance. Lack of a central legislation or policy on the issue aggravated the same.

However, the Supreme Court (SC) recently put the issue at rest, by upholding the legality of OFSPs, and terming OFS as a ‘Game of Skill’. The op-ed discusses the past, present and future of the OFSPs in India. (Read More)

Submission of Comments on the Consultation Paper on Unified Health Interface to the National Health Authority 

Pursuant to the National Health Policy (NHP) and the National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB), the National Health Authority (NHA) now proposes to create a Unified Health Interface (UHI), as a part of the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE). The objectives and vision of UHI are well-intentioned, and do well on several counts, such as:

  • Envisioning an Open Network for Digital Health Services as a part of the NDHM;
  • Identifying the incentives and disincentives of joining UHI for different stakeholders;
  • Listing the features and services envisioned to be part of the UHI;
  • Discussing the development, governance and management of UHI; among others.

However, they have scope for improvement, basis our submission. (Read More)

Submission of Comments on the Draft Drone Rules, 2021 to the Ministry of Civil Aviation

The notification of the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021 (UAS rules), earlier this year in March, had met with immense resistance from stakeholders of the drone industry. The same reeked of License Raj, given its requirement of applying for numerous certificates and permits. Accordingly, the UAS rules were argued to be stifling Research & Development (R&D), hindering startups in the industry, and restricted foreign companies from operating drones, thereby creating roadblocks for foreign investments.

Now, recognising the immense potential of economic growth and employment generation offered by the drone industry, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) has
prepared the draft Drone Rules, 2021 (draft rules), which are set to replace the UAS rules. These draft rules do better than the UAS rules in providing an enabling environment for the drone industry. However, the rules can be further improved by incorporating the recommendations given in our submission. (Read More)