Maharashtra Government forms Committee to boost State Lottery Revenue

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In a strategic move to enhance state revenue, the Maharashtra government has announced the formation of a committee to explore avenues for increasing income through the Maharashtra State Lottery. This initiative draws inspiration from Kerala’s successful lottery model.

According to a report by English Mathrubhumi, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar revealed that the committee would be chaired by former Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar. The committee is tasked with submitting its recommendations within one month of its formation.

Pawar stated, “The government is working at various levels to increase the state’s revenue. Efforts are also being made through the Maharashtra State Lottery.” He further elaborated that the committee would study Kerala’s lottery system to identify strategies that could be adapted for Maharashtra.

Kerala’s state-run lottery, established in 1967, has been a significant revenue source, funding various social welfare programs. Maharashtra aims to emulate this success by restructuring its lottery operations to boost revenue.

The committee’s formation is part of a broader effort to maintain fiscal discipline and strengthen the state’s financial health. Pawar highlighted that Maharashtra has kept its revenue deficit below one percent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and the fiscal deficit below three percent. The GSDP is projected to reach ₹49.39 lakh crore in 2025-26, up from ₹12.80 lakh crore in 2011-12.

In addition to the lottery initiative, the government is committed to supporting paddy farmers. A bonus of ₹20,000 per hectare will be provided to paddy farmers owning up to two hectares, benefiting those in East Vidarbha significantly. The government also plans to enhance transparency in paddy procurement and allocate funds for constructing Panand roads through the Rural Development Department.

The government remains committed to increasing financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana to ₹2,100 per month for eligible women beneficiaries. However, this increment will be implemented after a thorough review of the state’s financial status. Until then, beneficiaries will continue receiving ₹1,500 per month.

The committee will consist of public representatives and experts who will analyze Kerala’s lottery framework and suggest measures tailored to Maharashtra’s context. Their mandate includes evaluating operational efficiencies, marketing strategies, and regulatory frameworks to make the state’s lottery system more profitable and transparent.

The government is also focused on maintaining fiscal discipline. Pawar emphasized that the state’s finances are in good shape, with efforts to keep the revenue deficit below one percent of the GSDP and the fiscal deficit below three percent. The GSDP is estimated to be ₹49.39 lakh crore in 2025-26, up from ₹12.80 lakh crore in 2011-12.

However, the opposition has raised concerns regarding state expenditure. While the government reports that expenditure remains at 43% of the budget, opposition leaders claim it has reached 77.26%. This debate is expected to be a key issue in the ongoing budget session scheduled for March 26, where financial strategies and allocations will be scrutinized.

With the committee expected to submit its report within a month, stakeholders and citizens alike await the recommendations that could transform the Maharashtra State Lottery into a robust revenue-generating entity.

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