As the oldest online skill gaming industry body, the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has been at the forefront of ensuring global best practices for its stakeholders through the self-regulation skill games charter that cover all aspects of the online gaming business. To reinforce its self-regulation process, AIGF announces the appointment of former senior bureaucrat PK Misra as President of the ‘Players’ Association (AIGF Advisory)’. The Players’ Association will work closely with AIGF’s member stakeholders and governing council to monitor education, awareness, protection and grievance redressal of the online skill gaming community. Mr. Misra has now assumed duty in this latest positional advancement in his illustrious career.

An Uttar Pradesh Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer of the 1976 batch, Mr. Misra has held key positions in Indian bureaucracy, including that of Steel Secretary & Secretary Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). He was also Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser to the Home Ministry. Mr. Misra has now agreed to spearhead the initiatives of the Players’ Association at AIGF as part of AIGF Advisory, providing his proven guidance and bringing to the table his decades of experience and a keen understanding of the industry, the AIGF, and its self-regulatory perspectives.

Mr. Roland Landers, Chief Executive Officer of AIGF, said: “We are delighted to have a person of Mr. PK Misra’s stature and experience to guide us and bring in greater focus and efficacy in our efforts to protect the interests of millions of Indian online gamers. I am thrilled that he will help us shape the path ahead to ensure that the industry’s phenomenal growth over the last many years is maintained and accelerated, while player’s protection is kept paramount. I am glad to share that the transactional online gaming industry has grown to over US $1 billion annually. His guidance will provide impetus to the industry and ensure transparency and sustained clarity on policy.”

Elaborating on this new role, Mr. PK Misra said: “Over the last few years, India’s Online Gaming industry has outstripped every other section of the economy, growing at over 30 percent annually, contributing to tax collections. This is an industry that needs to be nurtured while ensuring that players have an enriching and unique experience. Being part of the Advisory Panel of judges, sportsmen/women, and the intelligentsia, with a special focus to the Players’ Association, is something I am looking forward to. I am also very keen in progressing AIGF’s Charter and ensuring that growth is inclusive and monitored regularly.”

The All?India Gaming Federation also plans to induct other such industry experts into its fold and other similar announcements can be expected soon. This is in keeping with AIGF’s stated objective of bringing in transparency to the industry and greater visibility for its new association, especially as the Online Gaming industry increasingly contributes to the economy.