By Live Mint
March 11, 2021
Bengaluru: The government should develop robust mechanisms to regulate the cryptocurrency ecosystem in India, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said on Wednesday, appealing to the Centre not to ban the digital currency.
Cryptocurrency has been generating jobs across a variety of functions – legal, compliance, technology, marketing, business development, finance, etc. – in India and abroad. “Given the scale and diversity, the good governance and regulation of the cryptocurrency ecosystem in India is critical and will give impetus to the Government of India’s Digital India vision,” IAMAI said in a statement.
India is also witnessing a considerable rise in digital assets. According to IAMAI, the crypto community consists of over 10 million crypto holders with over $1 billion worth crypto assets, 300+ startups generating thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in revenue and taxes with a daily trading volume of $350-500 million.
“The proposed move to ban will have an adverse impact leading to loss in investments and hitting 10 million Indian crypto customers. Hence, we are urging the government to define the cryptocurrency regulation framework after due consultation with IAMAI and stakeholders such as India crypto-asset user groups and the exchanges that facilitate buying and selling,” IAMAI said.
The government has listed the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 for introduction, consideration and passing in the current session of Parliament.
“US, Japan and other developed countries have a positive outlook towards crypto and are considering setting up of regulations for crypto. India should develop balanced and positive crypto regulations that will both ensure consumer protection as well as lead to more startups building in blockchain, more jobs, wealth creation for investors, and more tax revenue for the government,” said Nishith Desai, founder, Nishith Desai Associates.
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