BJP Leader Opposes Lottery Plan, Says Youth Need Jobs, Not Tickets.
Shimla:
BJP chief spokesperson and MLA Rakesh Jamwal has criticised the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government over its reported plan to introduce a government lottery in Himachal Pradesh after nearly 25 years.
Jamwal said the move raises serious questions about the government’s priorities, especially when the state’s youth are struggling with unemployment and social problems such as drug abuse. He said young people need jobs, skills and opportunities, not a shortcut to quick money through lottery schemes.
Questioning the government’s decision, Jamwal said revenue generation should not come at the cost of the social well-being of the state’s youth. He referred to proposed tender conditions, including an annual licence fee of Rs 10 crore, a minimum guaranteed amount of Rs 6 crore, at least two per cent revenue sharing and Rs 30 crore security.
He urged the government to assess the potential social impact of lottery schemes and protect young people from gambling-related financial problems.
Jamwal suggested that the government should instead focus on creating employment through industry, tourism, startups and skill development.
He appealed to the Sukhu government to reconsider the decision, saying Himachal’s youth need opportunities to fulfil their dreams, not lottery tickets promising overnight wealth.
