Indian state Maharashtra plans lottery expansion to boost revenue
In a bid to increase revenue, the Indian state of Maharashtra is considering expanding its state lottery system. The state’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, announced that the government will form a committee of elected representatives. The committee, headed by former Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, will suggest measures to boost revenue through the Maharashtra State Lottery before the ongoing budget session concludes.
“The government is working at various levels to increase the state’s revenue. Efforts are also being made through the Maharashtra State Lottery. A committee of public representatives will be formed to suggest measures along the lines of Kerala to increase income through the Maharashtra State Lottery. The chairman of this committee will be Sudhir Mungantiwar. The committee will have to submit a report within one month of its formation,” Pawar said in his reply to the debate on the Finance Department’s proposals for the annual budget.
He further reiterated that the state’s finances remain stable and that the government remains committed to fiscal discipline. Pawar noted that Maharashtra has maintained a revenue deficit below one percent of its gross state domestic product (GSDP) and a fiscal deficit below three percent. He further highlighted that the state’s GSDP is projected to reach Rs 49.39 lakh crore ($594 billion) in 2025-26, compared to Rs 12.80 lakh crore ($154 billion) in 2011-12.
Pawar also dismissed the opposition’s charge that the state’s expenditure has been just 43 percent, saying that it has reached 77.26 percent. He affirmed that the government aims to achieve 100 percent revenue collection in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Supporting State development and employment
Maharashtra State Lottery has been in existence since 12 April 1969. The state’s finance department initiated the lottery to prevent cheating of the common people by miscreants through illegal gambling schemes like Matka. The state-run lottery is totally trustworthy and provides an opportunity for citizens to win large prizes from a very small investment and fulfill their dreams. The revenue generated from the lottery sales also helps the state improve the infrastructure, provide health and education facilities, enhance the status of women and child welfare, support the agriculture sector, etc. Simultaneously, the sale of lottery tickets offers full-time or part-time employment to many unemployed individuals.
