Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Govt Plans Lottery Comeback to Boost Jobs & Revenue; Private School Fees Also Under Review
In a move that could reshape both revenue streams and employment opportunities, the Himachal Pradesh government is seriously considering bringing back its state-run lottery system after nearly two decades.
In a move that could reshape both revenue streams and employment opportunities, the Himachal Pradesh government is seriously considering bringing back its state-run lottery system after nearly two decades.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that the proposal is under active consideration, especially as the state looks for new ways to strengthen its financial position. The idea isn’t just about revenue—it’s also about tackling the growing issue of illegal lottery sales from other states.
🎯 Why the Lottery Revival Matters
According to the Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh is currently missing out on significant earnings. With nearly 40% GST applied to lottery tickets, illegal sales are not only hurting state revenue but also operating without proper regulation.
Restarting a state-controlled lottery could change that. It would help plug revenue leakages while also opening up new employment opportunities for locals—something the government sees as a major advantage.
Sukhu also addressed concerns about the social impact of lotteries. He pointed out that several Indian states are already running successful lottery systems without major negative consequences, suggesting that a well-regulated framework can minimize risks.
It’s worth noting that Himachal’s lottery system was discontinued back in 2004, making this potential revival a significant policy shift.
🎓 Private School Fee Hikes Under Government Watch
Apart from the lottery discussion, the government is also turning its attention to rising education costs. Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced plans to tighten rules around arbitrary fee hikes in private schools.
Currently governed under the Himachal Pradesh Regulation Act, 1997, the system allows monitoring but doesn’t give the government authority to fix school fees. This gap has led to growing concerns among parents.
The government now plans to amend existing rules, taking inspiration from states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where stricter controls are already in place.
On the Right to Education front, Thakur highlighted that private schools must reserve 25% seats for economically weaker sections. However, awareness has been low. Encouragingly, the number of such admissions has recently doubled due to government efforts.
🛕 ₹2.98 Crore Foreign Donations to Chintpurni Temple
In another update, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri shared that the Mata Chintpurni Temple has received foreign donations worth ₹2.98 crore over the last three years.
Devotees from across the world have contributed in currencies like dollars, pounds, and dirhams. These donations are properly recorded and deposited into the temple’s official accounts, ensuring transparency.
🛣️ Road Projects Hit by Land Mortgage Issues
Meanwhile, infrastructure development in rural areas is facing unexpected challenges. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh revealed that several road projects are getting delayed because land donated for construction is already mortgaged with banks.
The issue affects projects under major schemes like PMGSY and NABARD. The state Cabinet has discussed the matter, and officials have been instructed to work closely with district authorities to find quick solutions.
