Himachal revives State Lotteries, eyes Rs 100 Cr boost amid revenue crunch
Shimla, Aug 1,
In a controversial yet perhaps calculated move to bolster its non-tax revenues, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the revival of state-run lotteries, aiming to generate ₹50–100 crore annually for the cash-strapped state. The decision, made during a four-day Cabinet conclave chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, marks a policy reversal after over two decades.
Lotteries were banned in the state in 1999 during the BJP-led government under former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, citing rising concerns over addiction, financial ruin, and social distress. However, with Himachal facing a sharp fall in central financial support and the end of the GST compensation regime, the Sukhu government has turned to regulated gaming to bridge the revenue gap.
Industry Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan said that a fresh legal framework is likely to be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha, which begins on August 18. “There is no nationwide ban on lotteries. Currently, 13 states run them. Kerala earned ₹13,582 crore and Punjab ₹235 crore from lotteries in the last financial year,” Chauhan noted, defending the state’s move as both lawful and potentially lucrative.
While the state expects a relatively modest start—₹50 to ₹100 crore annually—officials argue that even this range would significantly support the state’s strained finances without increasing the tax burden on citizens.
The Opposition, however, has launched a scathing attack. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur slammed the decision, calling it a betrayal of public trust. “After four days of deliberations, the Sukhu government, which once promised to reform the system, has decided to revive a business that destroyed many lives. Homes were auctioned, families devastated, and suicides occurred due to lottery addiction. This government is bringing back that dark chapter,” he said.
Thakur also alleged that the revival of lotteries adds to a growing list of regressive measures: “In the name of self-reliance, the government is promoting cannabis, expanding liquor shops, shutting educational institutions, and now gambling. This reflects the complete failure of financial management.”
Responding to the criticism, sources in the government argue that modern regulatory mechanisms and digital checks can curb the past malpractices that led to the 1999 ban. “This isn’t the same era. Today, transparency and consumer protection laws can ensure a safer lottery model,” a senior official said.
As the monsoon session approaches, the move is expected to trigger heated debate—not just over fiscal choices but the larger question of how a hill state like Himachal balances its economic needs with social responsibility.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
