Himachal Pradesh government to relaunch state lotteries

The Himachal Pradesh government plans to reintroduce state lotteries during the Diwali festival, a move aimed at boosting state revenue after a 26-year hiatus. Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan stated that the initiative is intended to address the state's poor economic condition and prevent residents from purchasing lotteries in other states, which currently drains revenue elsewhere. The government expects to generate approximately 100 crore rupees annually through this controlled system, citing models used in states like Punjab and Kerala.

The decision has sparked intense political debate. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, has criticized the move, arguing that it jeopardizes the future of the state's youth by encouraging addiction. The BJP claims the government is prioritizing revenue over social welfare and has called for an investigation into the tendering process. In response, the government maintains that strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place to ensure transparency and prevent illegal gambling.