Himachal Pradesh Government Approves Return of State Lottery After 27-Year Hiatus The Himachal Pradesh government has cleared the path for the reintroduction of the state lottery, which will resume after a 27-year gap. The necessary regulations under the Himachal Pradesh State Lottery (Regulation) Rules-2026 have been notified, but the tender process remains pending approval from Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. The revival of the lottery aims to bolster non-tax revenue amid the state’s financial challenges and mounting debt. The decision to restart the lottery follows a long-standing ban imposed in the late 1990s due to concerns over financial irregularities, fraud, and the proliferation of gambling. The current initiative seeks to address these issues through stringent security measures and a structured framework. Officials estimate that the lottery could generate approximately 100 crore rupees annually in the long term, though initial projections suggest lower revenues in the first year. The government plans to launch the lottery in a manner similar to Punjab, Sikkim, and Kerala, where such schemes have been successful in augmenting state coffers. The tender process, once approved, will involve major national lottery companies, which will manage both online and offline ticket sales. Tickets will be available in denominations ranging from 10 to 500 rupees, with a maximum of six draws per calendar year. Despite the potential for significant revenue, the first year of operations is expected to yield only 10-20 crore rupees, as the tender process and regulatory approvals take time. The state’s finance department and lottery division will oversee the tender issuance, ensuring compliance with the new rules.#himachal_pradesh #himachal_pradesh_government #prem_kumar_dhumal #state_lottery #himachal_pradesh_state_lottery
