Lottery Prohibition Advocated for Public Welfare: Dhumal's Standpoint; Cong Offers Opposition
In Himachal Pradesh, a contentious decision has been made by the state government to revive the lottery system, a move that has been met with strong opposition from the Opposition BJP. The BJP, who currently hold power in the Centre, has announced a protest against the decision, scheduled for August 6.
The BJP views the revival of the lottery system as a socially harmful move that could lead to addiction, financial ruin, and increased social evils such as gambling, drugs, and alcohol abuse. Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, a senior BJP leader, condemned the decision, emphasizing that the lottery had been banned earlier to prevent "families [from being] ruined by the system" and calling it a "curse" and a "social evil."
Dhumal recalled that a ban on the lottery system was imposed in 1999 due to losses suffered by employees and retirees. He stated that the decision to revive the lottery system will lead Himachal towards ruin, potentially targeting vulnerable groups including youth and the working class, and worsening addiction and economic distress rather than solving financial issues.
The BJP also criticizes the government’s focus on raising revenue through such means instead of creating employment opportunities or more sustainable economic solutions. They fear that the move could exacerbate problems for already struggling families and youth in Himachal Pradesh, a state facing unemployment and social challenges.
Jagat Singh Negi, the revenue, horticulture, and tribal development minister in Himachal Pradesh, has defended the state's move to allow online lottery with the Centre's permission. Negi has suggested that a ban on online lotteries by the central government would solve most issues, but the Centre has not yet taken action on this proposal.
Negi has also suggested a ban on all online trading and gambling apps, a move that could potentially address some of the BJP's concerns about social harm. However, the BJP has not opposed lotteries in states where they are in power, such as Maharashtra, Northeast, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, or Punjab.
The state government's decision to revive the lottery system is estimated to generate additional revenue of Rs 50-100 crore annually, which could help counter debt and declining central funds. However, the tension between the government's intent to generate additional revenue and the societal repercussions feared by BJP leaders and supporters remains a point of contention.
[1] BJP opposes Himachal Pradesh's move to revive lottery system [2] BJP condemns Himachal Pradesh's decision to revive lottery system [3] Prem Kumar Dhumal speaks out against Himachal Pradesh's decision to revive lottery system [4] BJP criticizes Himachal Pradesh's focus on raising revenue through lottery system
[5] Jagat Singh Negi defends Himachal Pradesh's move to allow online lottery despite BJP concerns
[6] Centre yet to act on Himachal Pradesh's proposal to ban online trading and gambling apps, as suggested by the government
[7] BJP does not oppose lotteries in states where they are in power, such as Maharashtra and others
[8] Himachal Pradesh's decision to revive lottery system projected to generate additional revenue of Rs 50-100 crore yearly
[9] Tension arises between the government's need for revenue and BJP's concerns about societal repercussions from reviving the lottery system in Himachal Pradesh.
