Shimla, July 31 -- In a major policy shift, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the revival of state-run lotteries, which were banned during the Prem Kumar Dhumal led state government.
The move is aimed at increasing the state's revenue amidst declining central allocations and the withdrawal of GST compensation.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Industry Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan said the government expects to generate an additional income of Rs 50 to Rs 100 crore annually through the lottery system. Citing examples from other states, Chauhan noted 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. Curr...