Shimla, Aug. 1 -- Cash-strapped Himachal turned to revival of the state-run lotteries to boost revenue. The state cabinet on Thursday gave its nod to initiate the operation of lotteries in the state that has been banned since 1999. The move aims at increasing the state's revenue amid declining central allocations and the withdrawal of GST compensation. The debt burden of the state government has already crossed Rs.1 lakh crore and the state government is looking for measures to generate revenue. Lottery was banned in the state by the Himachal government headed by BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal in 1999 and made its violation punishable under Lotteries (Regulation) Act. Industry minister Harshwardhan Chauhan on Thursday said the government expects to generate an additional income of Rs.50 to Rs.100 crore annually through the lottery system. Chauhan said that Punjab earned Rs.235 crore and Kerala a staggering Rs.13,582 crore from lotteries in the last financial year alone. "There is no countrywide ban on lotteries. Himachal too will benefit if the scheme is regulated properly," Chauhan said after the cabinet meeting. Officials said the state government is likely to introduce specific legislation on lotteries in the upcoming monsoon session of the assembly, beginning August 18. Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur lashed out at government for legalising lottery. Jai Ram said, "As a conclusion of the four-day cabinet meeting, the so-called reformist Sukhu government has legalised the lottery. Earlier, the lottery had been banned. Many families were devastated due to it-homes were auctioned off, and some people were driven to commit suicide. Now the government wants to bring back that dark era"....